Kids can learn all about lightning bugs at Busch Conservation Area May 23

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News from the region
Saint Louis
Published Date
05/09/2019
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St. CHARLES, Mo.—They’re known as lightning bugs or fireflies, but whatever you call them these glowing insects can always be counted on to stir the imagination. Children especially seem drawn to their magic, and most adults can remember collecting them in jars on warm summer nights when they were kids.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to help shed some light on lightning bugs for today’s children at a special program Thursday, May 23 at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area in St. Charles. Firework Fireflies will be held from 1–2:30 p.m. and is free for children from ages 2-6.

Young explorers can discover the special secrets these shiny insects hold. What exactly are fireflies? Why do they flash? How do they light up, and what are they saying? There are actually multiple species of lightning bugs in Missouri, and each species has a unique light sequence and different times throughout the season when they flash. Some fireflies even copy the light patterns of other species of lightning bugs, so they can draw them near and eat them.

Kids will celebrate the unofficial start of summer by discovering nature’s own firefly fireworks and make a lightning bug craft to take home.

Firework Fireflies is free to attend, but advanced online registration is required at http://bit.ly/2V2w8n7.

The August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area is located at 2360 Highway D in St. Charles, about two miles west of Highway 94.