Fireflies in Southern Michigan
August 02, 2014
Photographer: Ken Scott; Ken's Web site
Summary Author: Ken Scott; Jim Foster
Shown above on this long exposure (40 minute) is a flock of fireflies on a midsummer's eve, beneath a starry sky as observed near Willis, Michigan. With dimming light after sunset, fireflies (also called glow worms or lightning bugs) emerge from their daytime lair in grassy lawns, meadows and tree canopies. Initially they cling close to the ground but tend to drift higher up -- though rarely above the tree tops. As the sky darkens their blinking bioluminescent glow, used to attract mates or prey, seems to increase. Note the lone fire-walker; seemingly daring others to cross its yellow-green line. Photo taken on July 19, 2014.