The Sparks and Sounds of Summer: Fireflies & Cicadas in Kansas

There’s a certain magic that settles over Kansas on summer evenings. The sun dips low, the heat eases up (a little), and the air fills with two familiar signs of the season: the buzz of cicadas and the twinkle of fireflies.

The Glow of Fireflies

Kansas backyards come alive each summer with fireflies—also known as lightning bugs—putting on one of nature’s most enchanting light shows. They typically appear in late June through July, especially in grassy areas near woods, fields, or water.

Fireflies flash their light to attract mates, but to us, they’re pure summer nostalgia. Whether you’re chasing them with a mason jar or just watching from the porch, their glow is a gentle reminder to slow down and savor the season.

Firefly Fun Fact: Their lights are nearly 100% efficient—almost no heat is given off. That’s better than any lightbulb!

The Buzz of Cicadas

If summer had a soundtrack, Kansas cicadas would be the headliners. These large, winged insects emerge when the ground warms to about 64°F—usually late May into July—and their distinct buzzing call becomes the background music of summer.

While some people find the noise intense, others find it oddly soothing—like a reminder that life is in full swing. Cicadas don’t bite, sting, or damage crops. They’re just here to sing their hearts out and enjoy the sunshine (same as the rest of us).

Cicada Curiosity: Kansas has both annual cicadas (which emerge every year) and periodical cicadas (on 13- or 17-year cycles). 2024 was a big year in some states, but Kansas mostly hosts the more predictable annual variety.

A Kansas Kind of Evening

Together, cicadas and fireflies create a uniquely Kansas kind of evening—buzzing, blinking, and full of life. Add in a porch swing, a cold drink, and a few neighbors waving from across the yard, and you’ve got summer at its finest.

So this season, as the sun sets and the show begins, step outside and take it all in. Because in Kansas, even the bugs know how to celebrate summer.