Q: What are the luminescent critters found in the Tucson region? Back East there are fireflies or lightning bugs, but I have not seen them here.
While taking a predawn hike in Sabino Canyon several years ago, we spotted a small wingless luminescent crawling insect on the roadway. It was about a half inch long with a termite-like appearance, and put off a light bluish light. A few dark nights ago looking out past our back fence line on the ground I spotted my second luminescent critter, I think. It was an LED-like spot of white-bluish light that persisted for several minutes. Our home is at about 2,750 feet in elevation in north Tucson. Any suggestions as to what we are seeing? Sober on both occasions.
A: Lightning bugs are one of my favorites from back east. We used to feed them to toads and watch them light up in their bellies, making the toads glow. What we have in the West are a couple dozen other species, although none as common as the ones back East.
What you were likely seeing are the immature beetles of one of these species. According to retired bugman Carl Olson, now is a great time for people to see the larval stage that usually has an eerie green light. Most of the ones seen in Rincons and Catalinas are pink as you will see in his photo of Microphotis dilatatus from the Vail area.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed toΒ plwarren@cals.arizona.edu.
