Lightning Bugs or Fire-flys??

[OK!]

Lightning bugs!

 

[Marion]

I got curious about the regional aspect because I have NEVER heard them called lightning bugs and found this at answers.com:

lightning bug
n.

See firefly.

REGIONAL NOTE : Although firefly remains the literary and formal word, lightning bug is the term used by the majority of Americans for the slow-moving flying insect that flashes in the dark. Nearly 80 percent of those interviewed for the Dictionary of American Regional English volunteered lightning bug, while not quite 30 percent said firefly (including those who said both). Only in the northernmost states, especially New England, and along the Pacific coast, does firefly hold its own with lightning bug. Bug itself is nowadays an American term; since the 18th century, the British have preferred insect.

 

[cats7494]

We call them lightning bugs.

 

[helenabear]

I couldn't vote, we use both.

 

[jimmalru80]

Lightning bugs over here.

 

[Snoopymom]

Boy was I wrong. I always thought "fiiireflyyyyy" was southern and Lightning bug was everywhere else. Can't wait to see some!

 

[StarLight StarBright]

We call them lightning bugs, but my daughter thinks they are fairies!

 

[minnieandme]

lightning bugs. I used to love to catch them in watch them light up in a jar.

 

[cristit14]

lightning bugs, wish we had them out here

 

[mamamary]

Lightning Bugs

 

[BuckyFan04]

Fireflies
I haven't seen any yet in my area, but should see some pretty soon. They usually come out in June.

 

[Quasi123]

Lightening bugs. None here yet either.

 

[mmcguire]

We say lightening bugs, but fireflies sounds so much nicer.

 

[cccm]

Fire-Flys

We don't get many around here.

I am jealous about DH and DD going to DHs hometown in Western PA. There are tones of Fire-Flys. I am talking hundreds or more. It is incredible. I usually only see a handful in my yard.

 

[Liberty Belle]

Both. Growing up (in Michigan) we called them Fire flies, but it seems everyone down here (Kentucky) calls them lightning bugs.

 

[DISUNC]

Fireflies.... I had heard of lightning bugs but didn't realize they were the same thing

See what one learns on the Disboards! Really we should ALL get Degrees!

Lightnin Bugs....I should start saving my Mayonaisse jars now!

 

[Kitty 34]

Both but lightening bugs more.

 

[luvtogo12]

I was going to start a thread with this exact question yesterday but got distracted.
I saw my first "lightening bug" of the Season yesterday which got me thinking how many people refer to them as lightening bugs.

 

[eclectics]

Another vote for Lightning Bugs.