Crayfish and Fireflies

thinkxingu · 07-15-2019, 06:45 AM

A response on the "rodent" post reminded me: we found a healthy crayfish the other day and there have been loads of fireflies each night, two creatures we've not seen much of in the past few years.

My son wanted to use the crayfish for bait, but I talked to him about conservation and how eagle, firefly, and loon populations were rare most of my childhood but now, with protection, they're healthier. He let "Cray Cray" out in a nice leafy area.

As a parent, it's cool when these moments for learning present themselves organically.

Now, if we can only save the bees...

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Barney Bear · 07-15-2019, 07:02 AM

A firefly, aka lightning bug, visited us on East Bear Island last night. On Saturday night, we were treated to a variety of loon calls coming through the darkness.

loonguy · 07-15-2019, 08:10 AM

I think "lightning bug" is a more appropriate term for the hundreds of bright white lighted bugs we have seen this year. I do not recall a prior year when they were so numerous or so bright.

thinkxingu · 07-15-2019, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loonguy

"lightning bug" is a more appropriate term...

Ummm...no. Name: IMG_20190715_083853.jpg
Views: 4866
Size: 85.6 KB

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

8gv · 07-15-2019, 09:03 AM

Can you please explain the lightning bug map?

Thanks!

thinkxingu · 07-15-2019, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8gv

Can you please explain the lightning bug map?

Thanks!

Oops, posted the one without info. The blue is where (most) people use "firefly," the red is where people use "lightning bug."

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Newbiesaukee · 07-15-2019, 11:14 AM

I grew up in a “lightning bug” area...now I go between blue and purple. Just what I needed, something else to obsess about.

Barney Bear · 07-15-2019, 11:36 AM

While growing up in the solid red Hoosier State, we would catch lightning bugs in a jar, screw on the lid which had holes punched in it, and use it as a lantern. After a drive along country roads with fields teeming with these flashing insects on either side, your windshield would almost glow with numerous unfortunate bugs. Now living in the solid blue Granite State, we see fireflies at home and on Bear Island. 🐻

ApS · 07-15-2019, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

A response on the "rodent" post reminded me: we found a healthy crayfish the other day and there have been loads of fireflies each night, two creatures we've not seen much of in the past few years. My son wanted to use the crayfish for bait, but I talked to him about conservation and how eagle, firefly, and loon populations were rare most of my childhood but now, with protection, they're healthier. He let "Cray Cray" out in a nice leafy area. As a parent, it's cool when these moments for learning present themselves organically. Now, if we can only save the bees...

Back in June, while navigating our "sandy beach" by foot, I found the cast-off exoskeleton of a crayfish. While not particularly unusual, the big claws were blue!

It HAS been awhile...

.

07-15-2019, 06:45 AM	#1
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,334 Thanks: 1,174 Thanked 2,098 Times in 1,299 Posts	Crayfish and Fireflies A response on the "rodent" post reminded me: we found a healthy crayfish the other day and there have been loads of fireflies each night, two creatures we've not seen much of in the past few years. My son wanted to use the crayfish for bait, but I talked to him about conservation and how eagle, firefly, and loon populations were rare most of my childhood but now, with protection, they're healthier. He let "Cray Cray" out in a nice leafy area. As a parent, it's cool when these moments for learning present themselves organically. Now, if we can only save the bees... Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

07-15-2019, 07:02 AM	#2
Barney Bear Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 962 Thanks: 495 Thanked 274 Times in 175 Posts	Another Flasher A firefly, aka lightning bug, visited us on East Bear Island last night. On Saturday night, we were treated to a variety of loon calls coming through the darkness.

07-15-2019, 11:14 AM	#7
Newbiesaukee Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Coral Gables, winter; Long Island, summer Posts: 1,357 Thanks: 951 Thanked 573 Times in 298 Posts	I grew up in a “lightning bug” area...now I go between blue and purple. Just what I needed, something else to obsess about. __________________ "You're only young once, but you can be immature forever."

07-15-2019, 11:36 AM	#8
Barney Bear Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 962 Thanks: 495 Thanked 274 Times in 175 Posts	Light Up My Life While growing up in the solid red Hoosier State, we would catch lightning bugs in a jar, screw on the lid which had holes punched in it, and use it as a lantern. After a drive along country roads with fields teeming with these flashing insects on either side, your windshield would almost glow with numerous unfortunate bugs. Now living in the solid blue Granite State, we see fireflies at home and on Bear Island. 🐻

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to thinkxingu For This Useful Post:
ApS (07-15-2019), FlyingScot (07-15-2019)

07-15-2019, 08:10 AM	#3
loonguy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Moultonborough near the Loon Center Posts: 197 Thanks: 60 Thanked 69 Times in 47 Posts	I think "lightning bug" is a more appropriate term for the hundreds of bright white lighted bugs we have seen this year. I do not recall a prior year when they were so numerous or so bright.

07-15-2019, 09:03 AM	#5
8gv Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,116 Thanks: 64 Thanked 749 Times in 483 Posts	Can you please explain the lightning bug map? Thanks!

The Following User Says Thank You to Newbiesaukee For This Useful Post:
gravy boat (07-17-2019)