what is the difference between a lightning bug and firefly
Firefly The Lampyridae are a family of insects in the beetle order Coleoptera. They are winged beetles, commonly called fireflies or lightning bugs for their conspicuous use of bioluminescence during twilight to attract mates or prey. Fireflies produce a "cold light", with no infrared or ultraviolet frequencies. This chemically produced light from the lower abdomen may be yellow, green, or pale red, with wavelengths from 510 to 670 nanometers.[2] The eastern US is home to the species Phausis reticulata, which emits a steady blue light.
Lovebug Localized lovebug flights can number in the hundreds of thousands. The slow, drifting movement of the insects has been described as almost reminiscent of snow fall except that, unlike snow, the flies also rise into the air. Two major flights occur each year, first in late spring, then in late summer. In south Florida, a third (but smaller) flight can occur in December.[2] The spring flight occurs during late April and May, and in the summer during late August and September. Flights extend over periods of four to five weeks.[5] Mating takes place almost immediately after emergence of the females. Adult females live only three to four days, while males live a little longer. They have to stick to each other at all times.[2]