Firefly
Florida has more firefly species than any other US state (Nordlie 2014), however, firefly numbers everywhere have been decreasing the last 45 years, and it is possible that many species have gone extinct in Florida. Firefly loss is due to a combination of three factors: places that used to be swampy aren’t anymore and the larvae don’t have the moist soil they need to grow nor the snails and slugs they need to eat; light pollution at night disrupts mating patterns and success; and pesticide use produces non-target kills of larvae and adults. These challenges are lacking at HHSP. The park not only has a firefly species that, to date, is found only at the park (Photuris lloydi, Lloyd 2008), but from March to April the overall firefly populations can offer quite a show. The park firefly education programs not only demonstrate how the average person can encourage firefly populations, but they actively engage children at ages when they are most likely to have “naturalist” interests. Fireflies are found in temperate and tropical climates. Many are found in marshes or in wet, wooded areas where their larvae have abundant sources of food. These fairy-like insects, which are species of beetles, emerge annually during the month of March in the Hammock. Upon first appearance, they are generally seen for a window of two weeks as their numbers peak and wane. Their diversity and abundance may be impacted by cold fronts which suppresses the firefly emergence. Firefly tram tours is a special event that is sponsored by the Friends of Highlands Hammock State Park every year.
THIS CACHE IS LOCATED WITHIN HIGHLANDS HAMMOCK STATE PARK. THE PARK IS OPEN FROM 8AM TIL SUNSET, 365/6 DAYS A YEAR, INCLUDING ALL HOLIDAYS. THERE IS A FEE TO ENTER THE PARK.