Surely among the most wondrous creatures that share our planet, fireflies are intricately woven into the fabric of many human cultures. Their ethereal beauty evokes awe and delight. Yet for most of us, fireflies remain shrouded in mystery: How do these creatures make light? What gives with all that flashing? Are fireflies disappearing? In this talk noted firefly expert and author Sara Lewis dives into the mysterious world of fireflies to reveal the latest scientific discoveries about their luminous lives. We will journey from the meadows of New England to the rivers of Japan and the mangroves of Malaysia to hear remarkable stories of firefly courtship and romance, treachery, poison, and murder. Meanwhile, these charismatic insects are declining due to habitat loss, light pollution, and overharvesting. Come learn about how, for more than a century and continuing to the present day, fireflies have been exploited for chemistry, beauty, and love.
Sara Lewis, Professor of Biology at Tufts University, has spent the past thirty years studying the luminous lives of fireflies.