Getting Into Citizen Science: My Role as an Observer

Individuals can participate in community science efforts through two distinct roles after registering for an account: submitting incidental sightings or conducting formal surveys. The incidental sighting role is designed for casual, everyday observations. If a participant happens to spot a firefly while hiking, relaxing in a yard, or engaging in other outdoor activities, they can simply snap a photograph and submit their observation (Firefly Atlas, 2026). This reporting process is straightforward, requiring only basic details such as the location, the time of day or night, and a brief description of the habitat.

The role of a surveyor involves a much more rigorous, protocol-driven approach primarily geared toward 13 focal species across the United States and Canada (Firefly Atlas, 2026). Before conducting a survey, these volunteers must complete training by watching instructional videos and studying the official participant handbook. Surveyors are uniquely responsible for selecting appropriate habitats, securing site permissions, and conducting daytime site scouting with a companion. During their targeted nighttime outings, surveyors must systematically record search efforts alongside extensive environmental data, including weather conditions, habitat details, artificial light levels, and specific firefly flash patterns (Firefly Atlas, 2026). Surveyors are tasked with submitting all their findings to the online database, crucially including "negative data" when no fireflies are detected at a site, as this is just as important as positive detections (Firefly Atlas, 2026). Regardless of the chosen participation level, all contributors must adhere to the Xerces Society's Code of Conduct (Firefly Atlas, 2026).

Reference Firefly Atlas. (2026). How to participate. https://www.fireflyatlas.org/get-involved/how-to-participate