Silent Sparks: The Wondrous World of Fireflies
By Sara Lewis
4.5/5
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About this ebook
An informative, entertaining, and beautifully illustrated look at the beloved firefly
For centuries, the beauty of fireflies has evoked wonder and delight. Yet for most of us, fireflies remain shrouded in mystery: How do fireflies make their light? What are they saying with their flashing? And what do fireflies look for in a mate? In Silent Sparks, noted biologist and firefly expert Sara Lewis dives into the fascinating world of fireflies and reveals the most up-to-date discoveries about these beloved insects. From the meadows of New England and the hills of the Great Smoky Mountains, to the rivers of Japan and mangrove forests of Malaysia, this beautifully illustrated and accessible book uncovers the remarkable, dramatic stories of birth, courtship, romance, sex, deceit, poison, and death among fireflies.
The nearly two thousand species of fireflies worldwide have evolved in different ways—and while most mate through the aerial language of blinking lights, not all do. Lewis introduces us to fireflies that don't light up at all, relying on wind-borne perfumes to find mates, and we encounter glow-worm fireflies, whose plump, wingless females never fly. We go behind the scenes to meet inquisitive scientists who have dedicated their lives to understanding fireflies, and we learn about various modern threats including light pollution and habitat destruction. In the last section of the book, Lewis provides a field guide for North American fireflies, enabling us to identify them in our own backyards and neighborhoods. This concise, handy guide includes distinguishing features, habits, and range maps for the most commonly encountered fireflies, as well as a gear list.
A passionate exploration of one of the world's most charismatic and admired insects, Silent Sparks will inspire us to reconnect with the natural world.
Sara Lewis
Sara Lewis is the author of numerous books, including the best selling Hamlyn All Colour Slow Cooker Cookbook. Her most recent books are Cooking from the Garden and Chocolate Success both for the Women’s Institute and Mini Pies for Love Food. She was cookery editor for Practical Parenting magazine for a number of years and now contributes regularly to Slimming World magazine. Sara lives in Sussex and is happiest cooking for family and friends.
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Reviews for Silent Sparks
5 ratings1 review
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Great interesting information on various kinds of fireflies. I grew up without them in Utah and when I first saw them in Chicago area while I lived there one summer, as an adult, I was also fascinated.
A lot of their science secrets have been solved, but there is more to learn.