June 17, 2007 - Firefly Nights Welcome to the Nature Notebook. Firefly nights begin in June and last into August. As twilight settles over summer fields, meadows and lawns, fireflies appear. Somewhat tentative at first, but with more certainty as darkness deepens, they flash their signals. First one here, then another there and soon they are everywhere. As soon as one flash catches your attention and fades, another prompts you to turn in a different direction. No matter how much fireflies fascinate us, their flashes serve another purpose. You see, only male fireflies flash and fly. The non-flying female waits in the grass for an appealing signal from a prospective mate. When she sees one she likes, she flashes back. He moves a little closer and lights up again. She responds. This continues until they get together and sparks fly. That is romance firefly style. This is PPL's naturalist, Jon Beam, with the Nature Notebook for WVIA.