| Scientific name | Photinus pyralis |
|---|---|
| Group | Beetles |
| Size | 10–14 mm (up to about 0.55 in) |
| Colors | Black, Red and Yellow |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes |
| Where found | Lawn or grass and Woods or trails |
| Most active | Summer |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Harmless |
How to identify it
The firefly is a small member of the beetles group. Hard wing covers that meet in a straight line down the back. Check for these three features:
- Pink or red shield on the thorax with a black center spot
- Pale, light-producing segments at the tip of the abdomen
- Soft, flexible wing covers edged in yellow
About this bug
A soft-bodied beetle that flashes a yellow-green light from its abdomen on summer evenings. Each species uses its own flash pattern to find mates.
You'll usually find fireflies in lawns and grass and in woods and along trails. They are most active in summer.
Is it dangerous?
Fireflies do not bite or sting, but they contain chemicals that are toxic to lizards and some pets if eaten.
Our rating: Harmless, meaning it poses no real threat to people, pets or property.
When you'll see fireflies
Fireflies are most active in summer. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.
Typical places to check: lawn or grass and woods or trails.
About beetles
The firefly is one of the beetles. Beetles go through complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (grub), pupa and adult. The larval stage often does the most feeding and damage, and it can last from a few weeks to several years depending on the species. Adults protect their flight wings under hard wing covers called elytra, which is why most beetles look armored and meet in a neat line down the back.
Look closely at larvae as well as adults. Grubs in soil, fuzzy larvae in closets and small worms in flour are all beetle larvae, and finding them tells you where the problem is centered.
Should you get rid of it?
No control is needed. Fireflies are not pests, and many help by eating other insects or pollinating plants. If one is indoors, move it outside with a cup and a sheet of paper.
Bugs that look similar
Size: Blister Beetles are larger, reaching 25 mm, while fireflies top out around 14 mm.
Frequently asked questions
What does a firefly look like?
Pink or red shield on the thorax with a black center spot. Adults measure 10–14 mm (up to about 0.55 in).
Does the firefly bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. Fireflies do not bite or sting, but they contain chemicals that are toxic to lizards and some pets if eaten.
Where do fireflies live?
Fireflies live in lawns and grass and in woods and along trails.
When are fireflies most active?
Mostly in summer.