Photinus Pyralis, et al
Because it's that time of year, I resolved to learn some interesting facts about what had to be an interesting critter, the common firefly, or lightning bug. I was absolutely floored with what I found with minimal searching. The entomology, the lore, the medical applications! So here, in no order, and with no attempt whatever at scholoarly rigor, are the tidbits and factoids I found interesting. Let's start with what to call 'em....
1. Firefly Nomenclature and Range:
Although firefly remains the literary and formal word, lightning bug is the term used by the majority of Americans for the slow-moving flying insect that flashes in the dark. Nearly 80 percent of those interviewed for the Dictionary of American Regional English volunteered lightning bug, while not quite 30 percent said firefly (including those who said both). Only in the northernmost states, especially New England, and along the Pacific coast, does firefly hold its own with lightning bug. Bug itself is nowadays an American term; since the 18th century, the British have preferred insect. [The American Heritage