Firefly indoors - Ask Extension
I’ve just found a firefly in my house on a plant. It’s alive and I’m wondering how it lived this long in my house or if it hatched recently. S...
Knowledgebase
Firefly indoors #439445
Asked February 02, 2018, 2:56 PM EST
I’ve just found a firefly in my house on a plant. It’s alive and I’m wondering how it lived this long in my house or if it hatched recently. Should I be looking for more?
Anoka County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hi,
I guess this little creature got into your home in the fall and has hung around. They generally hibernate underground or under tree bark in their larval state. The larva emerge in the spring, eat, and then go back underground to pupate - emerging as adults in the early summer.
I doubt you'll see more. Here is some interesting information: http://wwx.inhs.illinois.edu/resources/inhsreports/autumn-01/firefly/
Hi Susan. You answered my question about the firefly I found in my home near my plants. I did a bit of research myself and saw mixed reviews. One source even said they don’t live more than a couple months. Then I found another that said they live in a larvae stage for a couple years and then die after they come out of that. So whatever. I’m experimenting with a jar, damp paper towels and a slic of apple. But what I really needed to tell you,is I found another one this morning in the same area...southwest facing window with my plants and orchids.
Hi Susan. You answered my question about the firefly I found in my home near my plants. I did a bit of research myself and saw mixed reviews. One source even said they don’t live more than a couple months. Then I found another that said they live in a larvae stage for a couple years and then die after they come out of that. So whatever. I’m experimenting with a jar, damp paper towels and a slic of apple. But what I really needed to tell you,is I found another one this morning in the same area...southwest facing window with my plants and orchids.
Wow, that’s surprising. I wonder if you had them in a larval state somewhere in your house and they’ve developed.
They just keep happening....lol! Crazy little things!
