Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

[Return to Poems and Thoughts index page]

The Range of US Fireflies. As a child, I always loved eastern Fireflies. But I knew little more: Fireflies are found throughout the lower continental US. There are none in Hawaii and no native populations in Alaska. East of the Rocky Mountains harbor the numerous flashing fireflies, Where warm humid summer nights are the perfect environment For this type of active night-flashing, West of the Rocky Mountains, unknown to many, Indeed, fireflies exist there, but they do not flash as adults. Rather most species there are predominantly 'glow-worms,' The wingless females and larvae of which emit A steady glow on the ground. There are also dark fireflies active during the day Which find mates using pheromones. In specific damp habitats in Utah, Colorado, and Nevada, One can find flashing western fireflies, unknown to most Westerners. The myth is that the West has no fireflies, But that is obviously not true; they are just more cryptic! Frank Maurer 5 August 2026 1150 Hours.