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Bokeh of bioluminescence or flashing light of Swarm Fireflies, Firefly flying in forest tw

Fireflies in Hillsboro

Our Firefly Journey

How one tiny species sparked a community movement.

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National Recognition

Hillsboro was awarded a Science Discovery on Main Street Grant from the Simons Foundation & Main Street America, affirming that science and small towns belong together.

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Discovery & Organization

Main Street formed a Science Discovery Committee, engaged an entomologist, and conducted field research at to the Hillsboro Country Club, where Photinus dimissus was identified.

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Community Illuminated

Residents, businesses, schools, artists, and volunteers are launching hands-on science programming, public art, dark-sky initiatives, and community events inspired by our firefly discovery.

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Glowing Forward

Glow Hillsboro continues to advance science education, habitat stewardship, and creative placemaking,  proving that even the smallest light can shape a community’s future.

Meet Our Firefly

Photinus dimissus

  • A species discovered in Hillsboro

  • Vulnerability: Threatened by habitat loss and light pollution. Wingless females are especially at risk from mowing and landscape disturbance.

  • Size: 5-7mm; the size of a grain of rice

  • Bioluminescent: Produces light with no heat

  • Habitat: Associated with moist creekbeds, decomposing leaf litter, dense understory, and low light conditions.

  • Signature flash: Rapid double “twinkle” flashes about once per second
    Females answer within 0.3–0.5 seconds with a single flash.

  • Nickname: PD - "The Texas Two-Step Flasher"

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Want to spot PD in the wild? Peak activity is typically in June, around 9–10 PM. Look for its rapid double-flash “twinkle.”

Our Community Partners

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