After Years in Decline, Michigan is Seeing More Fireflies This Summer

The sight of fireflies or lightning bugs had always been a sure sign of summer. You could count on a yard or field lighting up starting in early June with the flashing bodies of fireflies. And than several years ago many began to see fewer and fewer lightning bugs.

So what happened? While scientists were never fully sure, many studies pointed to both climate change, loss of habitat due to urban development and even light pollution that interfered with the natural lights of the bugs.

Surprisingly, however something changed in 2024. Areas around Michigan began to see more fireflies than in years past. It's a change that made news. A paywalled Chicago Tribute article seems to indicate that as temperatures warm, it's been a good thing for firefly populations. A firefly conservation group tells Bridge Michigan an early spring and dry summer has been a boon for lightning bugs. But 2024 may be a one-off rather than a long term turnaround as the year's abundant firefly population is pegged as "the best it's ever going to be."

READ MORE: Michigan Is Having Its Worst Earwig Season in Years

If you've noticed more lightning bugs, you're not alone. A conversation came up on a Michigan discussion group on Reddit.

Is it just my imagination or does there seem to be more fireflies this year than last? It seemed like numbers were declining there for about 5 years straight, and now I feel like I'm seeing more than last year.

Many were quick to agree that they indeed had seen more bugs than in the past. This however may be the most sobering comment, "more this year than in recent years. Still a lot less than 20 years ago."

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Rural areas with little light population may be the best firefly viewing area if you're looking to spot some bugs this summer.