Fireflies replace cancelled firework displays with nightly light shows

Big fireworks displays may have been cancelled this summer, but London is still getting a nightly light show.

Brian Salt, founder of Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre, is one of the many people captivated by a kind of natural fireworks being offered by lightning bugs this season. 

"Salthaven is out in the country and our shifts run well into the night. So, we have the opportunity to see the fireflies here and there's an abundance of them here at Salthaven. They're magical."

The insects, whose scientific name is Lampyridae, thrive in the heat. 

"There certainly are a lot of them this year," explained Salt. "Everywhere you go there's fireflies in the evening and lots of them, not just the odd one. I think it has to do with the weather we're experiencing."

Light patterns are unique to each species

There are about 2000 firefly species in the world, and each has its own distinct light pattern. The ones seen in southwestern Ontario, said Salt, are likely all one kind. 

The light that earns them their name is caused by a chemical reaction, and it primarily happens in males.

"It's kind of a bioluminescence," said Salt. "They have this dedicated light organ in their abdomens and of course when they breathe they take in oxygen and inside there are special cells that combine that oxygen with a substance."

Fireflies can be seen in London until the end of August.