Fireflies

Fireflies are accessible biological magic: jewels of light glinting in summer evenings throughout the world. Silent Sparks is a treasure trove of information that will leave the reader even more astounded by these wondrous insects. Gracefully presented by Sara Lewis, who has studied fireflies for over 30 years as a professor in the Department of Biology at Tufts University, Silent Sparks is well worth reading from cover to cover. Topics include the life stages of the firefly life cycle, firefly courtship (including “translation” of their visual love messages), the evolutionary value of nuptial gifts, glowworms, the anatomy and biochemistry of firefly light, the marvel of synchronous flashing, eating fireflies (in a word: don't, unless you are a very specific predator), mimicry, ecology, and the relationship between humans and fireflies. Lewis’ appendices include a field guide to common fireflies and guidelines for “Further Firefly Adventures,” including “Talking to Fireflies,” ways to...