Popular Post Allen ★ Posted May 17, 2022 Popular Post Share #1 Posted May 17, 2022 The Loopy 5s, world’s rarest lightning bug, are displaying in the swamp starting last night! The synchronized verity are not yet out but are due any day now . 6 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petitepedal ★ Posted May 17, 2022 Share #2 Posted May 17, 2022 Awesome... Decisions decisions @Kirby...next year lightning bugs or bucking horses Seriously if "minime" was not gone for the 26th to the 8th ...I would have planned for this year 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Posted May 17, 2022 Share #3 Posted May 17, 2022 How exciting! Your property sounds like such a peaceful, diverse sanctuary for the lightning bugs. I'm so glad there is someone there who appreciates the value of this display and is dedicated to protecting their environment. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Allen ★ Posted May 17, 2022 Author Popular Post Share #4 Posted May 17, 2022 Scientists are coming out Monday 4 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MickinMD ★ Posted May 17, 2022 Share #5 Posted May 17, 2022 9 hours ago, Allen said: The Loopy 5s, world’s rarest lightning bug, are displaying in the swamp starting last night! The synchronized verity are not yet out but are due any day now . I miss large displays of them. In the 50's and 60's, lightning bugs almost lit up the entire back yards in my neighborhood. Now a single one is a rarity - and it's the same backyards! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoseySusan Posted May 17, 2022 Share #6 Posted May 17, 2022 19 minutes ago, MickinMD said: I miss large displays of them. In the 50's and 60's, lightning bugs almost lit up the entire back yards in my neighborhood. Now a single one is a rarity - and it's the same backyards! What’s the story? Pesticides? Pollution? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen ★ Posted May 17, 2022 Author Share #7 Posted May 17, 2022 13 minutes ago, MoseySusan said: What’s the story? Pesticides? Pollution? Yes to all plus habitat loss 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Allen ★ Posted May 18, 2022 Author Popular Post Share #8 Posted May 18, 2022 Got one entomologist coming out Thursday, and another arriving on Monday. UGA’s field trip may coincide with Aire’s visit. 3 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Allen ★ Posted May 18, 2022 Author Popular Post Share #9 Posted May 18, 2022 Caught samples tonight 6 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airehead Posted May 18, 2022 Share #10 Posted May 18, 2022 We are very excited. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen ★ Posted May 19, 2022 Author Share #11 Posted May 19, 2022 The entomologist that is coming out on Monday is giving a talk in Athen the night you arrive. We’ll have the nerd version of backstage passes if y’all would like to attend. He’s from here: https://xerces.org/endangered-species/species-profiles/at-risk-beetles/loopy-five-firefly 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen ★ Posted May 19, 2022 Author Share #12 Posted May 19, 2022 Have one coming out tomorrow night too. Gonna be walking a city boy down a fallen pine tree, crossing over thigh deep mud, in a Georgia swamp, at night, and back. I will be wearing jeans and my new old man slippers, ‘spect he is going to be in waders. Pretty confident I’m coming back dry. Not so sure he is coming back still in possession of both boots. 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen ★ Posted May 19, 2022 Author Share #13 Posted May 19, 2022 4 hours ago, Airehead said: We are very excited. The entomologist that is coming out on Monday is giving a talk in Athen the night you arrive. We’ll have the nerd version of backstage passes if y’all would like to attend. He’s from here: https://xerces.org/endangered-species/species-profiles/at-risk-beetles/loopy-five-firefly “This firefly has been documented at only three sites—in southern Tennessee, northwest South Carolina, and northern Georgia.” The northern Georgia one is Springwood. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
groupw Posted May 19, 2022 Share #14 Posted May 19, 2022 That’s very cool! I will miss ours. They usually peak in early to mid July. We had a lot in our yard but it was nothing compared to my parents’ place in the country. I remember the year my brother from Chicago was back for July 4th with his family. They couldn’t do fireworks at their home and my nephews were the right age to enjoy lighting them. So we did fireworks at my parents. Nothing extravagant, but they had fun. Apparently the lightning bugs took the fireworks as a challenge. They absolutely lit up the farm yard in one of the best shows I’ve ever seen! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen ★ Posted May 20, 2022 Author Share #15 Posted May 20, 2022 My scientist kept his boots, but he did come back muddy. We caught a Loopy 5 larva. They are aquatic. That is rare in lightning bugs. The females may stay larval form as well. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Allen ★ Posted May 20, 2022 Author Popular Post Share #16 Posted May 20, 2022 Also documented 3 more species that I had not previously known about. Springwood has at least 9 verities of firefly. 4 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airehead Posted May 20, 2022 Share #17 Posted May 20, 2022 On 5/18/2022 at 10:22 PM, Allen said: The entomologist that is coming out on Monday is giving a talk in Athen the night you arrive. We’ll have the nerd version of backstage passes if y’all would like to attend. He’s from here: https://xerces.org/endangered-species/species-profiles/at-risk-beetles/loopy-five-firefly Yes, a unique opportunity. I am not bringing waders. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shootingstar Posted May 20, 2022 Share #18 Posted May 20, 2022 Allen, whenever you get Japan, there were some firefly festivals in certain areas. We were there in late June onward and I had no idea about this. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Allen ★ Posted May 20, 2022 Author Popular Post Share #19 Posted May 20, 2022 Update: Fid not collect a Loopy larva. Found something else, not sure what it could be. May raise one up to find out. Monday we will be setting up multiple GoPros to capture the display in bullet time 3D. That’s going to be cool AF! 2 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smudge ★ Posted May 20, 2022 Share #20 Posted May 20, 2022 6 minutes ago, Allen said: Update: Fid not collect a Loopy larva. Found something else, not sure what it could be. May raise one up to find out. Monday we will be setting up multiple GoPros to capture the display in bullet time 3D. That’s going to be cool AF! Cool AF! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen ★ Posted May 20, 2022 Author Share #21 Posted May 20, 2022 28 minutes ago, smudge said: Cool AF! I know, right? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen ★ Posted May 20, 2022 Author Share #22 Posted May 20, 2022 @Airehead you may be arriving during a massive meteor storm too. Skip to 17:07 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Posted May 20, 2022 Share #23 Posted May 20, 2022 On 5/18/2022 at 10:36 PM, Allen said: The entomologist that is coming out on Monday is giving a talk in Athen the night you arrive. We’ll have the nerd version of backstage passes if y’all would like to attend. He’s from here: https://xerces.org/endangered-species/species-profiles/at-risk-beetles/loopy-five-firefly “This firefly has been documented at only three sites—in southern Tennessee, northwest South Carolina, and northern Georgia.” The northern Georgia one is Springwood. That is really exciting. I knew about the synchronous fireflies but I didn't realize about this endangered species. That makes me even happier that they have Springwood as a sanctuary. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen ★ Posted May 20, 2022 Author Share #24 Posted May 20, 2022 15 minutes ago, Kirby said: That is really exciting. I knew about the synchronous fireflies but I didn't realize about this endangered species. That makes me even happier that they have Springwood as a sanctuary. I have at least 9 different verities. The synchronized verity is uncommon. But the Loopy 5s are only found it two other locations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Posted May 20, 2022 Share #25 Posted May 20, 2022 I was reading the info from the Xerces Society. I'm so sad that I wasn't able to get away for a visit this year, but really hope to come next (if we're invited again. ) The whole experience sounds exciting and amazingly peaceful at the same time. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen ★ Posted May 20, 2022 Author Share #26 Posted May 20, 2022 1 minute ago, Kirby said: if we're invited again. Of course y’all are welcome 1 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen ★ Posted May 24, 2022 Author Share #27 Posted May 24, 2022 The Xerxes guy just left. I should have footage tomorrow. 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted May 24, 2022 Share #28 Posted May 24, 2022 On 5/18/2022 at 3:25 PM, Airehead said: We are very excited. I hope you're leaving soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dottleshead ★ Posted May 24, 2022 Share #29 Posted May 24, 2022 On 5/20/2022 at 2:58 PM, Kirby said: I was reading the info from the Xerces Society. I'm so sad that I wasn't able to get away for a visit this year, but really hope to come next (if we're invited again. ) The whole experience sounds exciting and amazingly peaceful at the same time. Allen's a gem too. I want to get there. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airehead Posted May 24, 2022 Share #30 Posted May 24, 2022 On 5/20/2022 at 4:38 PM, Allen said: @Airehead you may be arriving during a massive meteor storm too. Skip to 17:07 Very cool. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen ★ Posted May 25, 2022 Author Share #31 Posted May 25, 2022 I screwed up big time last night. I allowed the entomologist that has been staying with me to go to the nearby state park without me. He was checking it for more populations and found them. I went and checked some places nearby and struck out. Should have gone with him. 2 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsharr ★ Posted May 25, 2022 Share #32 Posted May 25, 2022 4 minutes ago, Allen said: I screwed up big time last night. I allowed the entomologist that has been staying with me to go to the nearby state park without me. He was checking it for more populations and found them. I went and checked some places nearby and struck out. Should have gone with him. More populations of the same guys you have, or different guys? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen ★ Posted May 25, 2022 Author Share #33 Posted May 25, 2022 1 hour ago, jsharr said: More populations of the same guys you have, or different guys? More Loopy 5s, same as I have. He also observed Blue Ghosts. @Airehead We should go see those. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airehead Posted May 25, 2022 Share #34 Posted May 25, 2022 5 hours ago, Allen said: More Loopy 5s, same as I have. He also observed Blue Ghosts. @Airehead We should go see those. Yes, please. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shootingstar Posted May 26, 2022 Share #35 Posted May 26, 2022 Has the scientist described what makes your home location so ideal for these rare lit creatures? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen ★ Posted May 26, 2022 Author Share #36 Posted May 26, 2022 8 minutes ago, shootingstar said: Has the scientist described what makes your home location so ideal for these rare lit creatures? I’m not sure. I would guess because my woods are virgin, but the lightning bugs are mostly on areas that have been farmed or otherwise modified. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Allen ★ Posted May 30, 2022 Author Popular Post Share #37 Posted May 30, 2022 I was worried my synchronized lightning bugs were going to be thin this year. Nope, they were just a little late. Woods were full tonight. 4 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airehead Posted May 30, 2022 Share #38 Posted May 30, 2022 I am so excited for a chance to see them. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralphie ★ Posted May 30, 2022 Share #39 Posted May 30, 2022 10 hours ago, Airehead said: I am so excited for a chance to see them. And we are looking forward to the report! TIA! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Allen ★ Posted June 2, 2022 Author Popular Post Share #40 Posted June 2, 2022 Found a new population of Loopy 5s (the really rare ones) tonight. Looks like my neck of the woods is a hotspot for them. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Posted June 2, 2022 Share #41 Posted June 2, 2022 I love that your home is such a sanctuary for them! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airehead Posted June 2, 2022 Share #42 Posted June 2, 2022 9 hours ago, Allen said: Found a new population of Loopy 5s (the really rare ones) tonight. Looks like my neck of the woods is a hotspot for them. Did this discovery involve any arrests? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen ★ Posted June 2, 2022 Author Share #43 Posted June 2, 2022 13 minutes ago, Airehead said: Did this discovery involve any arrests? Nope. No hide and seek involved. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsharr ★ Posted June 2, 2022 Share #44 Posted June 2, 2022 10 hours ago, Allen said: Found a new population of Loopy 5s (the really rare ones) tonight. Looks like my neck of the woods is a hotspot for them. On your land or on land you now have to buy? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen ★ Posted June 2, 2022 Author Share #45 Posted June 2, 2022 16 minutes ago, jsharr said: On your land or on land you now have to buy? Land I need to buy. Largest swamp in the county 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsharr ★ Posted June 2, 2022 Share #46 Posted June 2, 2022 Just now, Allen said: Land I need to buy. Largest swamp in the county I still want to see the Loopy 5 Ranch brand. I would buy some swag for sure! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen ★ Posted June 2, 2022 Author Share #47 Posted June 2, 2022 17 minutes ago, jsharr said: On your land or on land you now have to buy? Who knew slip fishing skills would further science? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsharr ★ Posted June 2, 2022 Share #48 Posted June 2, 2022 20 minutes ago, Allen said: Who knew slip fishing skills would further science? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airehead Posted June 2, 2022 Share #49 Posted June 2, 2022 3 hours ago, jsharr said: I still want to see the Loopy 5 Ranch brand. I would buy some swag for sure! I would definitely buy some swag. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shootingstar Posted June 3, 2022 Share #50 Posted June 3, 2022 Hope you find a good designer. I have a humorist-cartoonist in mind. He is American. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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