Critters of the Week

Where Spotted: Wetlands
Common Name: Firefly aka Lightning Bug
Scientific Name: Photinus pyralis (this is a guess, there are 20 species in Virginia but this is the most common)
Length: 10-14 mm long

Quick Facts 

• The common eastern firefly is, in fact, not a fly, but a type of beetle.
• Fireflies use specific flashing signals to find a mate. Females wait on the ground for passing males to flash their signal, and then answer with their own specific signal.
• The typical lifespan is 5-30 days.
• It was originally thought that the light signals of the firefly would attract predators; however, the common eastern firefly contains a steroid that is poisonous, and this deters potential predators such as birds and frogs.
• Science Stuff: The firefly produces light in the presence of oxygen, magnesium, and adenosine triphosphate by using an enzyme, luciferase, to oxidize a complex organic compound, luciferin. The light produced is often referred to as “cold light” because almost all the energy is released in the form of light and very little is wasted as heat. The wavelength range of this light spans from 520-620nm, and its brightness reaches 1/40 that of a candle.

Ellie Mae at Richmond SPCA

Howdy partner! My name’s Ellie Mae and I’m a sweet country beagle just lookin for a home to call my own. I am a little bit unsure of new things, so you have to move slow with me and be patient while I warm up. Once we’re friends though, we’re good as gold. Please call the adoption center at 804 521 1307 to speak with an adoption counselor about me!

Age: 2 years, 2 months
Gender: Spayed Female
Color: White / Brown
Size: M (dog size guide)
ID: 44250389

Adopt Ellie Mae at Richmond SPCA

Learn more about their adoption process.

To reduce visitor traffic, during the COVID-19 outbreak they are scheduling adoption appointments beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Please leave your phone number in a voicemail or email and an adoption counselor will call to set an appointment for you to meet with a pet. Email the adoption center or call 804-521-1307.

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