Do kids still chase and catch lightning bugs?

[Anonymous]

I realize my kids have not and I cannot recall the last time I saw lightning bugs outside. It has been years.

[Anonymous]

Of course! But not in the city. I rarely see them here.

[Anonymous]

Yes- when we are in CT

[Anonymous]

yes, at dusk, go out tonight! then release them

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Of course! But not in the city. I rarely see them here.

Op here. Me as well. I grew up here too. They were everywhere when I was kid.

[Anonymous]

They do where I live

[Anonymous]

We live in NW dc (not upper nw) and see them all the time in the early part of the summer. We saw dozens in our yard the other night. By later in the summer they’re gone. My kids chase them. And my dog.

[Anonymous]

My kid definitely does! We live in Silver Spring, and see them. We saw (and she caught) our first this year a couple months ago while camping.

[Anonymous]

Yup. My kid found some last weekend in MoCo.

[Anonymous]

Yes, close to downtown Bethesda, at dusk.

[Anonymous]

Mine were just last night!

[Anonymous]

Are you outside with them at dusk/night? Near woods/in yards (not urban places)? I have the same memories. Give them to your child.

If need be, take them camping. You can rent everything you need . leave your devices in the car. You will not be sorry!

[Anonymous]

Read this as a family:

https://www.firefly.org/how-to-catch-fireflies.html

And have fun planning for this summer.

I am so glad you had this insight before your kids were grown!

👍

[Anonymous]

My kid’s birthday is in the next week, and when she was growing up, we always said the fireflies come out to wish her a happy birthday. They still hold a lot of magic for her - although she thinks it is weird when I call them lightning bugs out of habit!

[Anonymous]

My parents said there are not nearly as many fireflies in their Fairfax neighborhood as there were when I was a kid. I’m in Leesburg and we have a ton. My kids love to catch them (and watch the bats come out at the same time)!