Fireflies

Fireflies are beetles in the family Lampyridae which take their name from the fact that many on them are bioluminescent for all or part of their lives. They are also called torch bugs, lighning bugs, and glow worms.

In Japanese mythology, they are believed to carry messages for star-crossed lovers. They are also sometimes said to be the spirits of the dead, particularly dead Samurai. It is likely this belief arose due to Hotaruken, who appear in the form of fireflies when they enter the physical world.

Druidic Paganism associates them with the tripple goddess Brigid, calling them 'Brigid's sparks'. They are believed to guide those lost at night, to provide inspiration to artists and craftsmen, and to congregate in areas of powerful natural magic. A legend about the first Druid to emigrate to North America tells of his life being saved after he was trapped in a snow drift when fireflies turned into sparks, lighting a fire for him which kept him from freezing to death before he could be rescued.

They are sometimes associates with Nemetons, probably due to their high concentration of magic.

Various European magic texts also link them to Hekate, believing them to be sparks which flew from her torches. Like the Druids, they typically associate them with areas of high natural magic such as Places of Power, especially when seen in unusually high numbers or out of season.

Scientific Name

Lampyridae

Conservation Status

At risk