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USA Today
5 days ago
- Climate
- USA Today
Far from extinction, fireflies seem to be thriving in summer 2025
Rainy, damp weather along the eastern United States in summer 2025 has one upside: Fireflies love it. "Fireflies and their prey (snails, slugs, worms) need moisture, so years with high rainfall, particularly in the spring, can boost populations of fireflies in the summer," said Candace Fallon, a conservation biologist with the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. And warm, humid nights of 70 degrees or warmer are ideal for seeing the flashing lights that evoke nostalgia for many Americans, Virginia Tech entomologist Eric Day told USA TODAY. It's hard to know for sure, but it appears that the whimsical bugs are indeed thriving in some areas. What is known: Fears of fireflies' imminent demise are misplaced, Day said. 'I would say fireflies are threatened due to habitat loss, but they are not going extinct, as some are adapting in different regions,' Day said. Indeed, of the 175 species of fireflies in the US, only 18 of are "threatened" with extinction, said Fallon. So while it's not good news for those few species, overall, "I don't think we're going to lose fireflies in our lifetimes," she told USA TODAY. Are firefly populations up in summer 2025? Fallon said in an email to USA TODAY that "from anecdotal reports, it does appear that at least the Midwest and Northeast are seeing record numbers of fireflies." She added that "we have heard from several areas of the country that folks are seeing an increase in fireflies this year, while in other regions we're been hearing the opposite." Day agreed, noting that it all depends on location, with rural areas typically seeing more fireflies while urban and suburban areas seeing fewer. Why do people care about fireflies? Whether you call them fireflies or lightning bugs, these illuminated insects are a sure sign of lazy, hot summer evenings. Many remember the thrill of running after them as a kid, trying to capture them in glass jars. "Fireflies evoke memories for people," Day told USA TODAY. "They harken back to our childhoods, reminding us of other times." "They're one of the most pleasant insects to come across... it a good thing to see fireflies," he added. Are fireflies a threatened or endangered species? Day said that generally, the answer to that is yes in urban areas, but to a lesser extent in rural areas. Fallon explained further: "While there are currently no listed firefly species under the US Endangered Species Act, one species (the Bethany Beach firefly) has been proposed for listing as a threatened species, and two others (the Florida intertidal firefly and Southwest spring firefly) are under review for listing." Overall, threatened firefly species are found in 16 states, all the way from Arizona to New York (see map below). As well, Fallon said two additional species have been petitioned (the mysterious lantern firefly and the loopy five firefly) but the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has not yet published 90-day findings on those species (in which they determine whether a full review for listing is warranted), Fallon explained. What are the main threats to fireflies? According to Fallon, "firefly populations are threatened by habitat loss and degradation, light pollution (which makes it difficult for fireflies to communicate with one another), pesticide use (which can kill them or their prey, or damage their habitat), and climate change (including drought, sea level rise, and storms)." How might climate change impact fireflies? "Because fireflies require moisture, drought related to climate change is a leading threat to fireflies, particularly in the arid West," Fallon told USA TODAY. "In some places, streams that were once perennial have now dried up, and in other areas, marshy areas and other wetlands have also disappeared. These once-perennial water sources are hugely important to fireflies, and their loss can lead to the loss of local populations." Fallon added that on the East Coast, sea-level rise and increased storm surges are having negative impacts on fireflies. In many coastal areas, firefly habitat is already hemmed in by human development on one side and the ocean on the other. As sea level rises, these habitat patches are disappearing. "In the case of increased severity and frequency of storm surges, the inundation of firefly habitats with saltwater can increase the salinity of a site, changing its vegetative makeup and making it uninhabitable for fireflies," Fallon said.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Yahoo
Fireworks shot at people in Bethany Beach, police looking for man involved
Bethany Beach police are looking for a man who they say shot fireworks at people downtown and on the beach the night of July 2. The man aimed "numerous" fireworks at people in the 100 block of Garfield Parkway, according to a Facebook post from Bethany Beach Police, and a short time later, aimed a "mortar style" firework at a large group on the beach. Several people were hit. Police Chief Patrick Foley said their injuries were not serious. Police chased the man on foot, but he got away, according to police. He is described as a Black man, 18 to 20 years old, about 6 feet tall and 180 pounds with short dreadlocks and a scar or scratch under his right eye. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bethany Beach Police Department at (302) 539-1000. Bethany Beach had a similar incident in July 2023, when someone set off fireworks that caused panic, injured one person and damaged the boardwalk. After that incident and others involving teens, officials moved the town curfew to 11 p.m. Fourth of July incidents: Ocean City police have busy weekend with nonfatal shooting, Boardwalk fireworks incident This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Bethany Beach police look for man who they say shot fireworks at crowd
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Searching for some budget-friendly fun this summer? Look no further than Delaware
Who doesn't want to save some money? But then again, who wants to sacrifice fun in a summer that will inevitably whiz by? For Delawareans looking to go on new adventures or make memories on a budget, here are some free activities to check out between now and Labor Day. Plan Summer Fun: Welcome to our 2025 Delaware Summer Guide If heading down the shore isn't an option this summer, you can still cool off at many a public pool this season. Both the cities of Wilmington and Newark have several outdoor pools open to the public, from the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Aquatic Center to the Edna C. Dickey Park Pool. The city of Wilmington also has spray parks at select locations for kids of all ages to enjoy. Wilmington and Newark pools are open to the public and free of charge. Wilmington pools will be open from June 16 to Aug. 16. Newark pools will be open from June 14 to Aug. 16. All pools will be closed July 4. For those interested in taking to the skies this summer – metaphorically, of course – look no further than the Air Mobility Command Museum in Dover. Housing 'over 30 aircraft varying in roles and sizes,' the museum also offers several historical exhibits and panoramic and video tours. Starting April 19, the museum began offering Open Cockpit Day, which grants visitors full access to many aircraft and allows them to learn more about their missions and history. Open Cockpit Day will take place 'every third Saturday of the month through October.' Visitors will be granted full access from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., given tour guides are available and the weather permits. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are both free. Free movie nights: Dewey, Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island bring back popular movies on beach series for 2025 Speaking of museums, if you're hoping to check out a new exhibit at the Biggs Museum of American Art or go on a day trip to the Brandywine Zoo without paying for a ticket, your search is over. Any Delaware adult with a library card is eligible to participate in the library's museum pass program. All you have to do is go online, find a museum or a date and reserve your pass. Walk on the wild side: What's brewing in 2025 at Brandywine Zoo, Philadelphia Zoo Cardholders must be 18 years of age or older. One museum pass can be borrowed per library card at a time. Eligible museums include the Biggs Museum of American Art, the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library and the Brandywine Zoo. Additional instructions and details can be found on the Delaware Libraries website. If you're itching to spend more time outside this summer, check out the DuPont Environmental Education Center in Wilmington. With a scenic view of the Christina River and marsh, visitors can take in the sights and sounds of all the Center has to offer. This includes walking the boardwalk trail or the ten-acre garden and plenty of opportunities for canoeing, kayaking and birdwatching. The Center is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. The pond loop and garden are open daily sunrise to sunset. More information can be found on the Center's website. More to explore: Delaware nature centers offer low-cost fun and educational places for summer day trips For those of us looking for a little relaxation this summer, you can find that in the lavender fields at the family farm Warrington Manor in Milton. Grounds are free most days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All guests interested in walking the grounds must check in at The Cottage Store. Groups with more than 10 people require advanced booking. Pets, littering, speeding, smoking and outside food are not allowed. Additional details can be found on the Manor's website. Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at omontes@ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Where to have some budget-friendly summer fun in Delaware
