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NO. 015Flashing firefly illustrationIllustration · not shown at life size

Beetles / Insect

Flashing firefly

Photinus spp. · genus group

AdultAn everyday search

A tiny light blinks in the summer dusk. Fireflies are beetles, and their flashes help them find a mate.

Let’s look closer

Little clues

Three things to notice.

  1. Head tucked beneath a shield.

  2. Light organs beneath the abdomen.

  3. Flashes help attract a mate.

Out in the world

Where to look.

Around southeastern Wisconsin

Summer dusk in suitable yards.

When to look

Summer dusk, especially June and July.

Look closely. Leave your tiny neighbor where you found it.

A closer look

One clue is just the start.

The light is on the underside of the belly. Different kinds of fireflies use different flash patterns.

A special find can be hard to spot without being biologically rare. Encounters depend on season and habitat.

Keep exploring

Meet the neighbors.

For curious grownups, too

Read a little further.

Original summaries, with references for deeper reading.

Make a creature disc

Artwork & downloads.

Drag a PNG image into xTool Studio, or use its download button. Images use the full-resolution files.

  • Flashing firefly — Transparent front PNG

    Transparent front PNG

    76.2 mm canvas · white-outlined labels on a clear background

    015-front.png
    1800 × 1800 px

    Download PNG
  • Flashing firefly — Relief depth PNG — prototype

    Relief depth PNG — prototype

    Matches this front · dark lettering 0.5 mm, outline 0.1 mm at 1 mm maximum

    015-height-disc.png
    1800 × 1800 px

    Download PNG
  • Flashing firefly — Original artwork

    Original artwork

    Unmodified source PNG

    015-flashing-firefly.png
    1254 × 1254 px

    Download PNG

  • Editable front SVG

    Common & scientific names · finding clue · editable labels

    015-front.svg

    Download SVG

Front artwork is made for a 3-inch clear disc. Revised artwork still needs a physical check. Disc backs are blank; use the single carrier QR from the print studio to open the field guide.

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