Texas Fireflies

Description:

Join Ben for a captivating exploration of Texas’ enchanting fireflies, where you’ll discover the diverse species that light up the Lone Star State’s wild landscapes. Ben will present his research on the fascinating species found in nearby river basins and riparian areas. He will demonstrate how to identify common species and learn their flash patterns so you can recognize them in the wild. You’ll also discover why fireflies flash and how they use light to attract mates. Additionally, he will discuss specific threats that are causing fireflies to disappear in many areas of the United States. Ben will also explain how to certify your property as a firefly habitat, suggest native plants you can grow to help them, and share other ways you can contribute to saving these iconic insects.

Bio:

Ben is founder of Firefly Conservation & Research at Firefly.org, a firefly conservation and educational organization working to conserve fireflies and their habitats through conservation, education and research efforts. Ben is a recognized public speaker and science educator whose research work focuses on Texas firefly species. He is working to document the Texas and Southwest firefly diversity and its natural history regarding their life cycle, preferred habitat and unique flash patterns. His research is helping to illuminate much of this never before collected information about Texas’s incredibly rich firefly diversity so that others can work to preserve and enjoy it.

He is a member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Firefly Working group. He recently completed the Red List Extinction Risk Assessments for Texas firefly species.

Ben studied Biology at Texas State University and is a certified Master Naturalist. He is a lifelong 6th generation Texan and has spent most of his life working to understand Texas ecology and its unique diversity.