Welcome summer! The summer solstice 2026 – Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 4:24 a.m. EDT – marks the longest day of the year and the astronomical beginning of summer, occurring when the Earth’s tilt reaches its maximum inclination toward the Sun.
Summer brings so many joys in a natural habitat, including the flickering and flashing of our beloved fireflies. In Southern Maryland, fireflies (lightning bugs) are most active and light up from late May through mid-July, with the most brilliant, consistent displays happening throughout June.
Prime Viewing Times & Conditions
- Time of Day: Fireflies begin flashing right around dusk, peaking roughly 20 to 30 minutes after sunset. The most active displays usually happen between 8:30 PM and 10:30 PM.
- Best Weather: They are most active on humid, overcast evenings when temperatures remain above 70°F.
- Preferred Habitats: You will find the highest concentrations in rural areas, unmanicured meadows, along woodland edges, and near humid, moist environments like creeks and rivers.
Interested in exploring the natural history of fireflies and Maryland’s history as a hub for firefly research? Watch this presentation by Richard Joyce, an endangered species conservation biologist for the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, for an introduction to some of the state’s diverse fireflies, including both common backyard species and those that are rare and threatened. You’ll also learn about different ways to get involved in firefly conservation at the local and state level.
Learn even more about the life history of fireflies at Firefly Atlas and check out their presentations and podcasts.
Additional Resources
Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation: “Conserving the Jewels of the Night – Guidelines for Preserving Fireflies in the United States and Canada“
University of Maryland Extension: “In a Flash: How You Can Help Fireflies“
Nuts for Natives: “Creating Next Year’s Sparkle of Fireflies“
People and Pollinators Action Network recently hosted a Pollinator Month webinar, “Understanding and Protecting Fireflies,” with the brilliant Dr. Orit Peleg. They’ve posted the recording, her slide deck, and the top 5 actions you can take to protect fireflies on their blog.
✍️M.Smith
Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay is deeply rooted in native plants and cultivating partnerships, while striving to educate, advocate, and collaborate to connect people and native plants for a healthy planet. Our vision is native plants and natural landscapes thriving in every community. Check out our Events page, Google calendar, Facebook, and/or Instagram for our upcoming events. And don’t forget to subscribe to our new YouTube channel and email subscriber list!
