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Researchers discover 3 new firefly species in a Kentucky forest, including 2 that don’t glow
Earlier this month, Bernheim Forest and Arboretum in Kentucky documented some new firefly species.
Researchers discovered three fireflies, two of which do not glow in the dark.
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Those two are called diurnal fireflies, which means they do not have the ability to light up. Diurnal fireflies use pheromones to communicate instead of light, like other types of fireflies.
Related video at the top: Pennsylvania fireflies with “synchronous displays” stun viewers at Allegheny National Forest night displays
These two types are called tiny Lucy (Lucidota punctata) and Elf (Pyropya minuta/decipiens).
The third new firefly, Snappy Single Sync (Photuris frontalis), is a flashing firefly. As of now, Bernheim researchers have only found a few of these fireflies.
With the new additions, Bernheim, which is around 25 miles from Louisville, Kentucky, is now home to 17 different firefly species.
Over 125 firefly species have been documented across the United States.
Related video below: Skipping the rake could help save backyard wildlife, like fireflies
