Blue Ghost Fireflies: An Appalachian Specialty – All Things Appalachia Speaker Series

All Things Appalachia Speaker Series
“Blue Ghost Fireflies: An Appalachian Specialty with Dr. Jennifer Frick-Ruppert”
Thursday, May 5, 6:30 pm
Rogow Room

Program Description 
The Southern Appalachians can boast of one of the most intriguing spectacles in nature: the annual emergence of Blue Ghost Fireflies. These tiny insects emerge from mid-May to mid-June and glow eerily in our moist forests. Combine their unearthly glow with absolute silence, and you can almost believe in fairies if you are lucky enough to witness the blue ghosts. Come out and learn more about these unique creatures with our local expert, Dr. Jennifer Frick-Ruppert!

Bio 
Dr. Jennifer Frick-Ruppert is a professor of biology and environmental science at Brevard College and chairs the science and mathematics division.  She teaches courses in local biodiversity, animals and plants of the Southern Appalachians, and more.  She is author of the popular book, Mountain Nature: A Seasonal Natural History of the Southern Appalachians, which describes some of the most interesting plants and animals of the region. She is also the author of Waterways: Sailing the Southeastern Coast, which is a narrative of a journey aboard a sailboat that describes the natural history of the coast, environmental effects, and a philosophy of living close to nature. Her third book is The Legend of Skyco: Spirit Quest, which describes the world of the native people of the region before European arrival.  She makes frequent presentations in the area about natural and cultural history and is an award-winning teacher.