Utah's Natural History Museum launches Western Firefly Project with citizen science initiative

The Utah County Commission held a public meeting on May 14, 2025, where discussions centered around a citizen science project focused on fireflies in the region. The meeting featured a presentation by an entomologist from the Natural History Museum of Utah, who detailed the ongoing Western Firefly Project, which aims to document and study firefly populations across Utah.

The entomologist began by addressing common misconceptions about fireflies, clarifying that they are indeed beetles, not flies. He highlighted the significance of beetles in biodiversity, noting that they represent one in four species on Earth. The project, initiated in 2013, was born out of a desire to gather more information about firefly sightings in Utah, where only a few populations had been documented historically.

To enhance participation, the project team collaborated with another entomologist from Brigham Young University, leveraging the community's loyalty to local universities to encourage citizen involvement. They distributed postcards to state parks and campgrounds, inviting residents to report their firefly sightings. Initial outreach yielded positive responses, with several state park managers confirming the presence of fireflies in their areas.

The entomologist emphasized the importance of citizen science, which allows non-scientists to contribute to research efforts. He explained that the project relies heavily on public engagement and media outreach to raise awareness and encourage reporting of firefly sightings. The team has developed a user-friendly website for reporting, which has led to the discovery of numerous additional firefly populations across the state.

Despite the project's success, the entomologist noted the challenges of verifying sightings due to the limited time frame in which fireflies are active, typically from late May to early July. The team continues to seek assistance from the public, including campers and farmers, to help identify and confirm firefly locations.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the collaborative efforts between researchers and the community to enhance understanding of firefly populations in Utah, highlighting the role of citizen science in ecological research. The project aims to continue expanding its reach and verifying new firefly sightings, contributing to the broader knowledge of these fascinating insects in the Intermountain West.