Here are some photos, some of my theories, some facts, and some answers to FAQS about Phausis reticulata, more commonly known as "Blue Ghost" Fireflies.
First, their light is GREEN, not BLUE, when it is viewed directly. When their light is viewed indirectly, as in being reflected off the ground (leaf mulch), it can be described as having a blue tint*. This can occur only on extremely dark nights, and dark nights are becoming rare due to the widespread increase of commercial lighting.
Male Blue Ghost. Similar in appearance to regular "lightening bug", but only about half the size. Both males and females are 1/4" to 3/8" long.
Anterior view of male, showing two light segments.
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| Female Blue Ghost. Note that she is wingless. |
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| Female Blue Ghost, showing approximately 25 eggs inside her body. |
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| A pattern of light spots of a Blue Ghost female. Females may have as many as 8 light spots. Males are attracted to the pattern of the female's light spots |
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| On moonless nights, male Blue Ghosts fly about 6" above the leaf mulch. They don't fly in moonlight, but will fly in deep shadows on moonlit nights. They start flying at total darkness (about 9 pm), and stop flying by midnight. |
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