How to Catch Female Fire Flies
Fireflies light up summer skies, providing endless fascination for children. The fireflies seen flying high at night are males. Females stay low to the ground or to brush. Catching fireflies requires patience and focus, as you must wait for them to light up, and find them again after they go dark. Generally, finding females is easier than chasing males, as male fireflies move around more in an effort to find a mate.
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Instructions
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To prepare where you will keep the fireflies when caught, choose a large jar with a matching lid or enough cheesecloth to cover the top. If you want to use a lid, poke at least six holes in the lid with the screwdriver. Be careful not to make the holes too big; you do not want the fireflies escaping from the jar. If you choose to use cheesecloth, have a rubberband ready to secure the cloth to the opening of the jar. Make sure the jar is clean and dry.
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Watch for fireflies to light up once it is dark outside. Fireflies are only active when it is warmer, making summer the best time to look for fireflies. To catch only females, look to the ground or near shrubbery. Females will not move around as often as their male counterparts and will remain close to the ground.
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Cup your hands around the firefly, gently. Be sure not to crush any part of the firefly with your hands.
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Place the firefly in the jar and quickly cover the opening with cloth or a lid.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
