Firefly is any member of a family of soft-bodied beetles known for producing glowing or flashing light. Fireflies are also called lightning bugs. There are about 1,900 species (kinds) of fireflies. Members of the firefly family live on all the continents except Antarctica. In the United States and Canada, there are about 200 species. The pyralis firefly, also called the big dipper firefly, is one of the most familiar North American species found east of the Rocky Mountains. These fireflies are active in the early evening and can be seen floating silently over meadows and lawns, flashing their yellow lights.