The night sky might be missing some familiar twinkling this summer. Scientists say we can expect to see fewer fireflies (or lightning bugs, depending on where you live) lighting up yards. Several of the 170 different species of light-emitting beetles -- about 11% of them -- are in danger of going extinct thanks to contributors such as climate change, habitat loss, overuse of pesticides, and light pollution. In other words, kids may never get to enjoy the experience of collecting lightning bugs in jars.
Here are some interesting facts about fireflies (lightning bugs):
- They like warm and humid climates. The states with the most fireflies are Texas, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and New York.
- Fireflies produce light through a chemical reaction called bioluminescence in special cells in their abdomen.
- It's believed they glow to ward off predators and also to find a mate.
- You can actually tell the difference between a male and a female. The males glow every five seconds, and the females glow every two seconds.
- Fireflies can live months or years.