Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, are not actually flies, but a family of winged beetles that use the light in their abdomen to attract mates. They can be found all over the world, including many places in the United States.
Fireflies tend to live in close proximity to water. While Arizona is known for its deserts, there are some areas surrounding streams and ponds. Areas such as these that are also wooded are optimal places for lightning bug sightings. Lightning bugs can also be found in areas that are drier, but typically only during the rainy seasons.
The fact that nearly two dozen species of fireflies can be found in Arizona is unique, notes the website Firefly Forest. In general, lightning bugs are not found further west than Kansas within the United States. Scientists are unsure of the reason for this.
Lightning bugs will not be found in the more populated areas of Arizona. According to Firefly, a site explaining how fireflies are becoming endangered, urbanization is leading to the decline of the insect. Scientists attribute this to light pollution. The more ambient light -- light from the signs and street lights of populated areas -- the harder it is for fireflies to see the signals of potential mates.
