Firefly Lost to Science for 40 Years Rediscovered In Delaware Nature Preserve

Entomologist and ecologist Christopher Heckscher made the discovery when he noticed the firefly’s specific flash pattern

By Charna Flam
Published on October 24, 2026 09:25AM EDT

A firefly species believed lost has been rediscovered after 40 years.

Delaware State University entomologist and ecologist Christopher Heckscher discovered Pyractomena similis in a Delaware meadow between May and June 2026, according to a newly published paper in the Journal of Lost Species.

The firefly, part of the Lampyridae family, was last documented in 1983 in both the U.S. and Canada and was considered a “lost species” in 2026—meaning no one had recorded an observation of the animal for years.

Heckscher said he made the discovery because of the firefly’s recognizable flash pattern. “The amber color of the flash and the long rhythmic pattern did not match any other firefly I was familiar with in this region,” he said, according to a Re:wild release obtained by PEOPLE. The flash pattern, emitted by males, usually consists of 10 to 20 pulses in quick succession before it breaks and resumes.

He continued to search for the species in various meadows and fields in Maryland and Delaware. He went to Brandywine Creek State Park in Delaware, where he saw about eight to 12 fireflies flashing.

A little late in the process but it's still technically early. Please make sure you do your civic duty and vote.

First time seeing a drone out and about. At Wawa near the DMV

Hello, I work for the state of Delaware. My mental health has been on a very HEAVY decline as of late. I’m scared that I am going to hurt myself during one of my meltdowns. If I had myself committed could I get fired?

Hey folks, so this week I’ve finally had my “last straw” experience with the ChristianaCare system. Getting prescriptions refilled with these guys is a bureaucratic nightmare. I regularly end up with gaps of over a week waiting for their call center to send my prescription refills to the pharmacy, while I go into somewhat dangerous withdrawals and have no recourse. Does anyone have recommendations within about a 30 minute drive of Newark for offices not affiliated with ChristianaCare? I don’t need much, just a doctor with an office I can actually call, and who will actually refill my prescriptions. Bonus points if they’re actually good doctors.

Southern Park's playground is closed this week for resurfacing. (Middletown)

I need a good mechanic relatively close to the New Castle/Bear area to help me diagnose a problem with my old Ford Ranger. I've had lots of bad experiences with mechanics in the past and I really don't trust them, so I was wondering if anyone here can recommend an honest, trustworthy mechanic

Some photos I took of the parade from yesterday. Our kids love going down and seeing the costumes.

With a flight to Wilmington first. 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣

We made it to The Price is RIght!

Re-upload because I’ve lived here my whole life and still can’t get roads right.

Anyone know what the hell was happening on Lancaster Pike by Regal Heights/Trinity Community Church? Around at least 5:40 DelDOT had the entire road from there to Hercules Rd closed entirely for no apparent reason. It was gone by 6:45 when I was coming back through.

What can I say? I’m nosy and it was rather inconvenient.

Hi guys, I’m apartment hunting and I thought it’d be helpful to hear from people who have lived/currently live at St Andrew’s and the Emblem as those are my top picks atm.

I’m looking in Newark but open to Wilmington too. Currently live in Wilm so I’m familiar with the area in case anyone has more suggestions.

Thanks!

If the costs are going to be higher or even equal to last winter's bills, I'm sealing up everthing and everywhere possible: doors, windows, seams, electrical outlets, sliding glass doors - bought hard foam board insulation, big stuff, thermal drapes. House is going to be a darn igloo.

Wanted to share this picture I took while at Lums Pond the other day

Curious about plans, looking for suggestions. Willing to travel to parts of PA.

But what's there to do in the Newcastle / Wilmington area?

Don't miss out on The Rocky Horror Picture Show this Halloween at the Barnstormers Theater in Ridley Park.

• Friday, October 30, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. — Frankie’s Midnight Runners Shadowcast
• Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. — Special Sing-Along Performance (Special Sing-Along with live band and without Frankie's Midnight Runners)
• Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. — Late-Night Frankie’s Midnight Runners Shadowcast

Tickets are available online at https://barnstormerstheater.ludus.com. For additional information, visit https://www.barnstormerstheater.com or call the box office at (610) 461-9969.

thank goodness it wasn't on a weekday. everyone is scrambling to figure out how to house and teach 600 students. obviously some will push in at the other school buildings. hopefully the community opens other spaces.

afaik Lulu Ross is an historic landmark and first school house in Milford. what a tragedy.

I finally had to give up on FB Marketplace. I swear if everyone isn't a bot, their sole purpose is to flake and annoy you. I tried good old fashion craigslist but I don't think it's getting much traffic these days. Anyone had any luck with another app/site/group on the delmarva area? Or maybe even a subreddit. I just want to sell some nice ish bikes and patio furniture. The stuff is just a little too nice for me to want to donate and too big to sell on eBay.

Recently, I have been receiving a monthly newsletter from the PA ChesterCounty state representative. Long story why I am on his DL. But I am a Delaware resident!

The newsletter got me thinking. Why not have the same in Delaware? Once a quarter have a review of what’s going on in the state, finances, etc etc. much like a corporate earnings call. Right now, I know nothing about what is going on in the state. I have to dig for info.

What do you all think?