Are there fewer fireflies than once upon a time? To find out, we need more data.

We are looking at fireflies as sort of a charismatic species that folks care about. Studying

Fireflies can tell us more about how to manage habitats for insects in general.

It's Thursday June 20th.

Happy Summer Solstice. You're listening to Science Friday.

I'm Sci-Fi producer Charles Burgquist. Fireflies are one of the iconic symbols of a warm summer night in the wild.

Coming up, we'll hear how scientists in the public

are surveying firefly habitats

to find out what species live where

and what they need to thrive.

But first, how researchers are trying to protect you

from another type of summertime encounter,

a meet up with a bitey tick.

So stop me if you've heard this one before. Two leggy brunettes walk into a science lab. Well, not walk exactly.

Vanessa and Valerie are mannequins, and their job is to teach us humans how to check for ticks.

Ticks, of course, are a well-known summer nuisance in many parts of the country,

but climate change is extending their season.

Joining me today to talk about this is my guest,

Lena Tran, reporter for WUWM, Milwaukee's NPR.

Welcome to Science Friday.

Thanks for having me.

Of course. So I understand you took a trip to this lab where these two

...