Fireflies Thriving in Moist Colorado Oases, Expect Sightings This July

This July, it's expected that there will be more firefly sightings in the moist Colorado oases, according to experts.

Fireflies in Colorado Oases

Fireflies are common in much of the eastern United States, but they are also in danger since they require a fresh, damp habitat to grow.

Unbeknownst to many, fireflies also flourish in isolated oases throughout Colorado and can be spotted flashing light as their mating calls in wetlands for a brief period of time in the months of June and July.

Many native Coloradans have never observed a firefly, according to Beth Kittrell, a volunteer with Fort Collins Natural Areas, and many are unaware that they can be found in the maze of reclaimed gravel pits to the north of Prospect Avenue.

Programs for Fireflies

Three years ago, Fort Collins Natural Areas launched their "Light Up the Night" excursions.

They have a long waiting and are currently one of its most popular activities. The Morey Wildlife Reserve, which is on the western side of the Mariana Butte golf course, is where visitors can try their luck on their own after fireflies were discovered in the area of Loveland in 2018.

The city now hosts "Fireflies in the Meadow" programs in July.

Other locations where sightings have been recorded recently include the Front Range cities of Greeley and Pueblo, as well as various mountain valleys close to Moffat, Divide, Durango, and Carbondale.

In Colorado, two research programs are looking at fireflies, and several community-science initiatives are finding them in more and more places.

Fireflies Are Not Flies

As a beetle with a complex life cycle that proceeds over one or two years from egg to larva, pupa, and adult firefly-which lives for only a few weeks-volunteer Kittrell explained that fireflies are not flies.

Male fireflies are signaling to potential mates who are staying on the ground by flashing a few feet above the ground.

Fireflies employ bioluminescence, or the generation and emission of light by living creatures, to communicate with one another by way of a chemical reaction in their light-producing organs, according to Longmont Leader.

In the US and Canada, there are roughly 165 different species of fireflies, each of which has a distinctive flashing pattern.

A receptive female will flash back to the eager male when she identifies the flash pattern of her own species.

Some species' females have been observed to flash patterns from other species in an effort to lure the males, whom they then kill and consume, Colorado Sun reported.

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Famous Spots

The greatest viewing location is Reservoir Ridge Natural Area, which is off Overland Trail.

Most people looking for fireflies trek west to the river, then follow the earthen route south to look for them.

Experts say to search for fireflies along the beach after parking in the area on the northeast side of Riverbend Lakes Natural Area.

Most of the natural areas that are usual viewing spots close at 11:00 PM, which is something to keep in mind. Experts also remind the public to wear long sleeves and pants and carry lots of bug repellent.

Twin Lakes and Eaton Park, where Nautilus Drive ends, the wet meadows nearby Cherryvale Trailhead, which is south of South Boulder Road, as well as the west side of the Orange Orchard region north of Jay Road and west of 30th are among the firefly hotspots in Boulder County, according to Wildlife FAQ.

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