A Firefly Biologist at Work

by Sneed B. Collard III

Describes the life and work of James F. Case, an American expert on the fireflies of Southeast Asia and on how fireflies produce their light.

48 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2001

About the author

Sneed B. Collard III (see also "Sneed B. Collard") is a biologist, world traveler, speaker, and author of almost one hundred books for young people, including the 2024 Orbis Pictus Award winner, Border Crossings (Charlesbridge Publishing). His other recent science titles include Fire Birds; Hopping Ahead of Climate Change; Little Killers; Waiting for a Warbler; Beaver & Otter Get Along . . . Sort of; and the upcoming picture book, Like No Other. Collard holds science degrees from the University of California at Berkeley and U.C. Santa Barbara. He lives in Montana.

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just recently saw fireflies for the first time during a road trip. Immediately I had questions. This book was very informative about the research that one scientist has done. Due to personal connection, I think, this book has a different feel from other non-fiction zoological books I have read. I enjoyed reading about the research efforts and potential for future discovery at the time of this book's publication. This was definitely a good place to begin my further inquiries regarding fireflies.

[Marianne Tabner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book feels very dated.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why I like this book:
1. Sneed B. Collard (the author) is a cool name.
2. Mr. Collard happens to be one of the scientists from St. Paul's massive project that about killed us all. There were no books to be found about him.
3. I learned how to "talk" to fireflies: When you see a male flashing (from the air), flash back to him. Learn the code by watching a female (on branches or the ground) flash. A common flash code is, whenever a male flashes, wait 2 seconds, then flash back at him (with a flashlight, no other way!) for 1 second. If you've learned the language, he'll flash back and start flying toward you.
4. Baby fireflies (larvae) are commonly called "glowworms"! Now, I totally get the toy that I had when I was a kid and the one that Faith now has.