THE DAY I SAVED A FIREFLY

While searching for something to blip today I noticed this male Big Dipper Firefly (a.k.a. lightening bug) twisting & turning to free himself from a spider’s web. He was moving so fast I couldn't get a clear shot. Since only one foot was caught in the web, I decided to help out. (Be sure to see the relieved, freed firefly on Flickr.)

Normally I let nature take its course, but at the time it seemed he should live to blink his magical light on a hot summer night. Then maybe some children could have fun trying to capture him in a glass jar – as children do on hot summer nights when the fireflies are out. What’s the difference – caught in a spider web or a glass jar? Both in one day would make one really horrible day for this little guy!

Fireflies have 6 – 9 light-producing organs on their abdomen (the red & cream section).