Nature Field Guide
Fireflies
- Spanish name
- Luciérnagas
- Scientific name
- Lampyridae — family card
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Pico: “Let's look closely at the fireflies!”
Tati: “We can compare its shape and markings without touching it.”
Species overview
About the Fireflies
Some members produce light; glow patterns vary.
Identification
Key Features of the Fireflies
Soft beetle wing covers
some show glowing abdominal segments
light patterns vary
Habitat & range
Suitable forest, garden or open habitats; distribution varies with habitat and species.
Local observations
Regional tags are broad habitat-based discovery suggestions for this insect group, not a verified range for one species. Confirm local records with a guide or identification reference.
When to observe
Look during dusk or night on an appropriate guided walk; daytime resting individuals may also be visible.
Conservation & care
Observe without collecting, handling or disturbing insects or nests. Stay on permitted paths. Leave caterpillars and their food plants in place.
Observation activity
Record the date, location and two visible clues. Compare your observation with a verified photograph before naming a species.
Explore by location
Caribbean · Central Highlands · Central Pacific · Central Valley · Guanacaste · Northern Plains · Puntarenas & the Gulf Islands · South Pacific