Fire Flies & Glow Worms

On our first moonlight rides of the season we were treated to a magical sight. A memory of magic from our childhood - fireflies!!

Did you know?
Glow-Worms & Fireflies. Also known as Lightning bugs and 510Watt worms, Glow-worms and fireflies are in fact neither worms nor flies, but beetles.

Fireflies have dedicated light organs located under their abdomens. The insects take in oxygen and, inside special cells, combine it with a substance called luciferin to produce light with almost no heat. Firefly light is usually intermittent, and flashes in patterns that are unique to each species. Each blinking pattern is an optical signal that helps fireflies find potential mates. The adults of glow-worms and fireflies do not feed, but their larvae prey on snails.

Did you know that fireflies are disappearing all around the world? Human encroachment and pesticides appear to be the main causes. Considering the expanse of forest and damp terrain in our forest, we hope that “our” colony of fireflies will continue to light our way on night rides!

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