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Transcript: Fireflies
(Bright music plays)
A child says, WHEE!
tvokids + Fifth Ground Entertainment Original.
(Giggling)
A narrator says, IT'S ME, LEO!
Leo is a red and blue fish swimming in front of two monitors with the Leo’s Pollinators logo.
Leo says, THE EXPLORER CLUB
IS ON A NEW MISSION.
Text reads, Leo’s Pollinators Explorer’s Club, TVOkids Presents.
Leo says, WE'RE HELPING THE POLLINATORS,
THOSE AMAZING CREATURES
WHO MOVE POLLEN FROM ONE PLANT,
TO ANOTHER.
Videos play of worms, bees, bats, butterflies, lemurs and moths.
Leo says, POLLEN IS THE STUFF THAT HELPS
MAKE OUR FRUITS,
VEGETABLES, AND FLOWERS.
WITHOUT OUR POLLINATORS,
FLYING, BUZZING,
SLITHERING AROUND,
WE'D ALL BE GOING HUNGRY.
EVEN ME!
HOUSTEN AND CHLOE ARE IN THE
FIELDS HELPING THE EXPERTS.
SO, GRAB YOUR BOOTS
AND YOUR NET,
AND YOU CAN BE A POLLINHEAD,
TOO.
The Leo’s Pollinators Explorer’s Club logo is displayed.
Leo sings, YOU LIGHT ME UP, UP, UP
YOU LIGHT ME UP!
Leo says, TODAY, WE'RE SHINING THE LIGHT
ON FIREFLIES.
THOSE MAGICAL, FLYING,
NOCTURNAL BEETLES,
ARE LIKE NATURE'S FIREWORKS!
YES, BEETLES, NOT FLIES,
BECAUSE OF THEIR
EXTRA SET OF WINGS.
A firefly flies off a person’s finger.
Leo says, OOH! ANOTHER MAGICAL THING
ABOUT FIREFLIES,
THEY HELP KEEP ME, AND MY FISH
BUDDIES, WELL FED.
SO, WE WANT TO ENSURE
THEY KEEP POLLINATING
THE FLOWERING PLANTS
ALONG THE RIVERBANKS
SO OTHER BUGS KEEP COMING
TO OUR WATERING HOLES
TO FILL OUR BELLIES.
MMM, MMM!
THE POLLINHEADS' MISSION
INVOLVES WORKING INTO THE NIGHT
AT THE ROUGE NATIONAL
URBAN PARK
WITH RESEARCHER,
AARON FAIRWEATHER,
FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH.
Chloe and Housten work with Aaron in the dark of night.
Leo says, TONIGHT, WE'RE DISCOVERING
THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE MAGIC.
OH, HOW I LOVE MY MAGICAL
FIREFLY FRIENDS!
Leo sings, YOU LIGHT ME UP, UP, UP
YOU LIGHT ME UP.
An aerial view shows a trail in Rouge National Urban Park. Aaron walks with Housten and Chloe on the trail.
Aaron says, SO, OUR FIRST MISSION
FOR TODAY
IS TO FIND SOME FIREFLY LARVAE.
Text reads, Aaron Fairweather, University of Guelph, Researcher.
Aaron says, AND ASSESS THEIR POPULATION
NUMBERS.
Chloe says, SOUNDS GREAT!
Aaron says, AND HERE IS WHAT THEY
LOOK LIKE.
Aaron shows Chloe and Housten a paper.
Chloe says, WOW!
Housten says, WOW!
Aaron says, THIS IS A FIREFLY ADULT,
WE KINDA KNOW
WHAT THOSE LOOK LIKE,
BUT THIS IS THE LARVAE.
Aaron shows Chloe and Housten a picture of a larvae.
Chloe and Housten say, WOW!
Chloe says, IT KINDA LOOKS LIKE IT'S GOT
SPIKY THINGS ON THE SIDE.
Housten says, YEAH!
Aaron says, YEAH.
AND THEN, AFTER THE LARVAE
SEARCH, LATER ON TONIGHT,
WE'RE GONNA FIND THE ADULTS.
THAT'S THE BEST TIME TO FIND
THEM, WHEN THEY'RE FLASHING.
Housten asks, DO THEY ONLY FLY AT NIGHT,
OR IS IT THAT WE JUST CAN'T
SEE THEM IN THE DAY?
Aaron says, BOTH FIREFLY LARVAE,
AND ADULTS, ARE NOCTURNAL.
THAT MEANS THAT THEY ARE ONLY
ACTIVE AT NIGHT.
IT'S GONNA BE A LITTLE BIT
TRICKY FOR US TO FIND
A LARVAE DURING THE DAY,
BUT WE'RE GONNA DO OUR BEST.
FIREFLY ADULTS USE A FLASHING,
OR A LIGHT,
TO SEE ONE ANOTHER,
AND TO KNOW WHERE A MATE IS.
DURING THE DAY,
THEY CAN'T SEE ONE ANOTHER.
THERE'S A LOT OF LIGHT
POLLUTION AROUND NOWADAYS,
SO THAT'S ONE OF THE CHALLENGES
THAT THEY'RE FACING.
Chloe says, I GET IT.
TOO MUCH MAN-MADE LIGHT
MEANS THEY CAN'T SEE
THE LIGHT SIGNALS
FROM THE OTHER FIREFLIES.
Aaron, Housten and Chloe continue down the trail.
Chloe asks, WHEN ARE WE GONNA SEE
THE FIREFLIES POLLINATING?
Aaron says, SO, THEY MOSTLY
POLLINATE AT NIGHT,
AND WE'RE LIKELY
NOT TO SEE THEM.
Housten asks, DO THEY POLLINATE LIKE BEES
AND CARRY POLLEN
FROM ONE FLOWER TO ANOTHER?
Aaron says, THEY'RE NOT AS EFFICIENT
AT POLLINATING AS BEES.
THEY LAND ON FLOWERS AT NIGHT,
AND THEY DO PICK UP SOME POLLEN
ON TO THEIR BODIES,
AND BRING IT TO OTHER FLOWERS,
AND THERE'S EVEN SOME FLOWERS
THAT REQUIRE THEM
FOR POLLINATION, BECAUSE THEY
ONLY FLOWER AT NIGHT.
ARE WE ALL READY TO GO FIND
SOME LARVAE?
Chloe says, YOU BET!
Housten says, YEP!
Aaron says, AND I'M GLAD TO SEE
YOU BOTH DRESSED
AND PROTECTED AGAINST TICKS.
Leo says, SAFETY CHECK!
WHEN WALKING IN TALL,
GRASSY SECTIONS OF PARKS,
YOU NEED TO KNOW HOW TO SPOT
AND PROTECT YOURSELF
FROM TICKS.
Leo wears a hard hat.
Leo says, TICKS HAVE EIGHT LEGS AND
ARE PART OF THE SPIDER FAMILY.
A TICK ATTACHES ITSELF
TO THE SKIN OF AN ANIMAL
AND SUCKS BLOOD.
THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF KINDS
OF TICKS ON THE PLANET,
BUT THE ONES OUR POLLINHEADS
HAVE TO WATCH OUT FOR TODAY,
ARE DEER TICKS.
THE DEER TICK MAY BE TINY,
BUT BE CAREFUL,
BECAUSE YOU COULD GET VERY SICK
FROM THEIR BITE.
SO, HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
TO PROTECT YOURSELF.
Chloe walks through tall grass wearing yellow rubber boots.
Leo says, WEAR LIGHT-COLOURED CLOTHING
TO HELP YOU SPOT THE TICKS,
TUCK YOUR PANT LEGS
INTO YOUR SOCKS
AND WEAR A LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT,
SPRAY TICK REPELLENT
AROUND YOUR NECK AND HAIRLINE,
BUT DON'T GET ANY IN YOUR EYES!
Housten and Leo dress to protect themselves. Chloe looks over Housten.
Leo says, AFTER YOU SPEND TIME OUTSIDE,
CHECK YOURSELF FOR TICKS.
Housten looks over Chloe.
Leo says, THEN HAVE A WARM SHOWER
AND WASH YOUR CLOTHES.
Housten gives Chloe a thumbs up. Chloe smiles. Aaron, Housten and Chloe walk toward a lake. Different animals swim in the water. Aaron kneels beside a log.
He says, LET'S LOOK HERE.
OH, WOW.
Housten says, WOW!
Chloe says, OH MY GOSH!
Aaron says, LOOK AT THIS!
THIS IS AN ADULT FIREFLY.
Aaron holds a firefly.
Housten says, WOAH.
Chloe says, OH MY GOSH!
THAT WAS NOT SUPPOSED
TO HAPPEN.
Aaron says, NOPE, NOT DURING THE DAY.
THIS IS PRETTY RARE.
Housten says, THAT LOOKS SO COOL!
Aaron says, YEAH, THEY'RE REALLY
COOL. AND DURING THE DAY,
USUALLY THEY'RE
HIDING UNDERNEATH MOSS,
AND LICHENS, OR LOGS,
WAITING FOR THE NIGHT,
WHERE THEY CAN FLASH
AND FIND A MATE.
Chloe says, I CAN HARDLY WAIT FOR TONIGHT
FOR THE LIGHT SHOW.
Housten says, ME TOO!
ALRIGHT, LET'S KEEP SEARCHING
FOR LARVAE!
Aaron says, LET'S.
(Upbeat music plays)
Chloe rolls over a log.
She says, HEY, AARON!
I THINK I FOUND ONE!
Aaron says, OH!
Aaron joins Chloe. Chloe points toward the ground.
She says, RIGHT HERE.
Aaron says, THAT'S ACTUALLY AN ISOPOD.
OR, A PILL BUG,
Chloe asks, WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN THEM?
Aaron says, PILL BUGS HAVE EIGHT LEGS,
WHEREAS THE FIREFLY LARVAE
WILL HAVE SIX.
Chloe asks, DO THEY HAVE LIKE,
KIND OF THE SAME STAGES
ON HOW THEY GROW UP, OR?
Aaron says, SO, THESE ONES ACTUALLY
LOOK PRETTY SIMILAR
TO ONE ANOTHER
AS THEY'RE GROWING.
THEY KEEP KIND OF THE SAME.
WHEREAS, FIREFLIES,
THEY START AS LARVAE,
TURN INTO PUPAE,
AND THEN LOOK VERY DIFFERENT
AS ADULTS.
Chloe says, WELL, LET'S KEEP LOOKING.
Aaron says, LET'S!
A snail moves on a log.
Aaron says, HEY, COME LOOK AT THIS!
Chloe and Housten join Aaron. They kneel by the log.
Housten says, THERE'S NO LARVA,
BUT WHAT'S WITH
ALL OF THE SNAILS?
Aaron says, SO, THESE SNAILS
ARE THE FOOD
THAT THE FIREFLY LARVAE
WILL EAT.
Housten says, WOW, THESE ARE BIG
FOR THOSE LITTLE LARVA.
Aaron says, YEAH, SO THEY ACTUALLY
USE A NUMBING FLUID
TO MAKE SURE THAT
THEY DON'T MOVE.
Chloe says, NUMBING FLUID?
Aaron says, IT'S LIKE
A PARALYZING AGENT,
SO IT MAKES IT SO THAT
THEY WON'T MOVE AROUND
OR TRY TO ESCAPE.
Chloe nods.
Aaron adds, AND THEN MAKES IT SO THEY
CAN EAT THEM MORE EASILY.
Chloe says, OH!
Housten asks, WHO EATS THE LARVA?
Aaron says, ALL KINDS OF THINGS -
OTHER INSECTS,
LIKE, ANTS WILL EAT THE LARVA,
BIRDS, AND ACTUALLY FISH WILL,
AS WELL.
Housten says, WOW! LEO WOULD LOVE THIS!
Leo says, MMM! MMM! MMM!
YUM!
Aaron says, THE DAY IS GETTING
A LITTLE BIT LATE,
SO, LET'S TRY ONE MORE TIME
TO FIND THESE LARVAE.
Housten says, OKAY!
Chloe says, YEAH!
(Upbeat music plays)
Chloe, Housten and Aaron continue searching.
Chloe says, I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!
I MEAN WE’VE SEEN CENTIPEDES,
SNAILS, BABY DUCKS.
AND NOW FROGS!
Aaron says, YEAH, ALL KINDS OF THINGS.
THE PILL BUGS,
AND EVEN THE ADULT FIREFLY
WE SAW EARLIER.
Aaron says, OH YEAH! I SEE WHY YOU
LOVE YOUR JOB SO MUCH!
Aaron says, I THINK IT'S TIME NOW
THAT WE SHIFT OVER
AND SEE THE FIREFLY
LIGHT SHOW.
Chloe says, COOL!
Housten says, YEAH!
Aaron says, ALRIGHT, LET'S GO.
Chloe says, BYE, BYE, LITTLE GUYS!
Housten laughs.
(Upbeat music plays)
As clouds pass through the sky, day turns to night. Aaron, Housten and Chloe wear head lamps and carry bug nets.
Housten asks, HOW MANY SPECIES OF FIREFLIES
ARE THERE?
Aaron says, THERE IS OVER 2,000 SPECIES
OF FIREFLIES, WORLDWIDE.
Chloe says, WAIT,
THERE ARE OVER 2,000 TYPES
OF FIREFLIES IN THE WORLD?
Aaron says, THAT'S RIGHT,
AND THERE'S OVER 100 SPECIES
IN NORTH AMERICA, ALONE.
THAT MEANS, THE FLASHING THAT
YOU SEE IN YOUR BACKYARDS,
MIGHT BE MULTIPLE SPECIES
OF FIREFLIES.
Chloe says, WOW!
Housten says, I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE
THE FIREFLY SHOW!
Chloe says, ME TOO!
Aaron says, IT'S GONNA BE SO MUCH FUN.
AND TONIGHT,
WE'RE PROBABLY GONNA SEE
THE ANGEL CANDLE FIREFLY.
IT'S THE MOST COMMON SPECIES
WE HAVE IN NORTH AMERICA.
LET'S GO!
Housten and Chloe smile.
Leo says, WELCOME TO
AN ENLIGHTENING EDITION
OF "WHAT'S THE BUZZ?"
A graphic reads, What’s the Buzz? With Leo.
Leo says, EN-LIGHT-ENING.
GET IT?
Leo giggles.
Leo says, FIREFLIES HAVE DEDICATED
LIGHT ORGANS
THAT ARE LOCATED
UNDER THEIR ABDOMENS,
THAT FLASH INTERMITTENTLY,
AND IN PATTERNS UNIQUE
TO EACH SPECIES.
A firefly’s light flashes.
Leo says, EACH BLINKING PATTERN
HELPS FIREFLIES
TO FIND POTENTIAL MATES!
AW, IT'S THEIR SOS SIGNAL
FOR LOVE.
FIREFLIES' LIGHT ALSO SERVES
AS A DEFENCE MECHANISM
THAT FLASHES A CLEAR WARNING
OF THE INSECT'S HORRIBLE TASTE,
OR BLINDS WOULD-BE PREDATORS,
LIKE BATS.
YOU HAVE TO ADMIRE
HOW MAGICAL THEY ARE
TRYING NOT TO END UP
IN MY BELLY,
AND I DEFINITELY DON'T EAT
ANYTHING
THAT FLASHES LIKE THAT.
WOULD YOU?
Chloe, Housten and Aaron swing their nets as they walk through tall grass. Chloe swings and grunts.
She says, OH MY GOSH,
IT'S ON YOUR JACKET!
Chloe points to Housten’s jacket. Housten looks down.
He asks, WHERE?
Chloe says, RIGHT HERE,
AND IT'S FLASHING!
Chloe points to a firefly flashes on Housten’s elbow.
Housten says, I CAN'T SEE!
Housten giggles. Aaron swings his net.
(Gasp)
Housten says, RIGHT THERE!
Chloe says, HOUSTEN, GRAB THAT ONE!
Housten says, THERE'S SOME OVER THERE!
Chloe says, GO GET IT!
Housten runs through the grass. He and Chloe join Aaron.
Chloe says, HOUSTEN CAUGHT ONE!
Aaron says, OH, THAT'S AMAZING!
I HAVE GOT SOME HERE,
MYSELF, AS WELL.
THESE BEAUTIFUL INSECTS
HAVE A SEGMENT
AT THE END OF THEIR ABDOMEN,
RIGHT NEXT TO THEIR BUTT
CALLED THE LANTERN.
AND THAT IS WHERE
THEY PRODUCE THEIR LIGHT.
THE LIGHT IS MADE
BY COMBINING A CHEMICAL
CALLED LUCIFERIN,
WITH OXYGEN, AND THEN...
IT FLASHES THAT BEAUTIFUL
LIGHT PATTERN.
Chloe says, WHAT THE HECK IS THAT?
IT DOESN'T SOUND VERY TASTY.
Aaron says, NO, BUT THESE ORGANISMS
CAN MAKE THAT LIGHT
FROM THE THINGS THAT THEY EAT
IN THE ENVIRONMENT.
IMAGINE, JUST BEING ABLE
TO CREATE LIGHT
FROM THE THINGS THAT YOU EAT.
Housten says, THAT SOUNDS BIZARRE!
KIND OF COOL, BUT BIZARRE!
Aaron says, IT IS KIND OF BIZARRE.
THIS CHEMICAL REACTION
THAT ORGANISMS PRODUCE
IS CALLED BIOLUMINESCENCE.
IT'S THE ACT OF PRODUCING LIGHT
IN YOUR BODY.
Choe says, AND THAT'S THE MAGIC
WE SEE
WHEN THEY FLASH AS THEY FLY BY.
Aaron says, THAT'S RIGHT,
NATURE IS FULL OF MAGIC,
AND WE'RE GONNA SEE THE
FULL LIGHTSHOW, TONIGHT.
NOW, LET'S LET THESE GUYS GO,
AND HAVE THEM ENJOY THE PARTY.
Chloe says, I'M SO EXCITED!
Housten says, YEAH!
Aaron lets his captured fireflies free.
Housten says, LEO IS RIGHT,
THESE FIREFLIES ARE MAGICAL.
Housten sits on a log between Aaron and Chloe.
Chloe says, THE BEST KIND OF MAGIC.
ALL COURTESY OF MOTHER NATURE.
THANKS, AARON.
Aaron says, NO PROBLEM.
IT'S BEEN AMAZING TO SHARE THE
FIREFLIES WITH YOU POLLINHEADS.
Aaron, Housten and Chloe hold bags of popcorn. They put one of their hands together between them.
Housten and Chloe say, HIGH FLY!
Aaron, Housten and Chloe raise their hands together toward the night sky.
Leo says, POLLINHEADS ALERT!
ATTENTION, FELLOW POLLINHEADS!
OUR FIREFLY FRIENDS
NEED EVERYONE'S HELP.
IF YOU LIVE NEAR THE WATER,
OR HAVE A COTTAGE,
LET GRASSES AND PLANTS
GROW AROUND THE WATER'S EDGE
BECAUSE IT'S WHERE THE
FIREFLIES LAY THEIR EGGS,
AND FEED ON NECTAR.
GIVING THEM A HOME,
AND FOOD,
IS A SURE-FIRE WAY TO HELP
THE FIREFLY POPULATION
SO THEY CAN KEEP POLLINATING
AND PROVIDING FOOD FOR ME.
OH, I MEAN, FOR MY FISH
AND BIRD FRIENDS.
Leo watches a monitor. A firefly rests on Aaron’s thumb.
Leo says, FIREFLIES ARE MOSTLY NOCTURNAL
AND LIGHT POLLUTION
IS A BIG PROBLEM FOR THEM.
SO, KEEP YOUR OUTSIDE LIGHTS
OFF AT NIGHT,
SO MY MAGICAL FIREFLY FRIENDS
CAN KEEP SHINING THEIR LIGHT.
Leo sings, YOU LIGHT ME UP, UP, UP
BA DA, DA, DA, DA, DA.
(Bright music plays)
Leo watches credits roll.
Directed by Kim Saltarski.
Written by Kim Saltarski.
Created by Karen Hawes and Christopher Szarka.
Produced by Christopher Szarka and Raj Panikkar.
With Naomi Melvin as ‘Leo’ and Chloe Drayton and Housten Daghighi.
Produced in association with tvokids.
Fifth Ground Entertainment.
A child says, WHEE!
tvokids + Fifth Ground Entertainment Original.
(Giggling)
A narrator says, IT'S ME, LEO!
Leo is a red and blue fish swimming in front of two monitors with the Leo’s Pollinators logo.
Leo says, THE EXPLORER CLUB
IS ON A NEW MISSION.
Text reads, Leo’s Pollinators Explorer’s Club, TVOkids Presents.
Leo says, WE'RE HELPING THE POLLINATORS,
THOSE AMAZING CREATURES
WHO MOVE POLLEN FROM ONE PLANT,
TO ANOTHER.
Videos play of worms, bees, bats, butterflies, lemurs and moths.
Leo says, POLLEN IS THE STUFF THAT HELPS
MAKE OUR FRUITS,
VEGETABLES, AND FLOWERS.
WITHOUT OUR POLLINATORS,
FLYING, BUZZING,
SLITHERING AROUND,
WE'D ALL BE GOING HUNGRY.
EVEN ME!
HOUSTEN AND CHLOE ARE IN THE
FIELDS HELPING THE EXPERTS.
SO, GRAB YOUR BOOTS
AND YOUR NET,
AND YOU CAN BE A POLLINHEAD,
TOO.
The Leo’s Pollinators Explorer’s Club logo is displayed.
Leo sings, YOU LIGHT ME UP, UP, UP
YOU LIGHT ME UP!
Leo says, TODAY, WE'RE SHINING THE LIGHT
ON FIREFLIES.
THOSE MAGICAL, FLYING,
NOCTURNAL BEETLES,
ARE LIKE NATURE'S FIREWORKS!
YES, BEETLES, NOT FLIES,
BECAUSE OF THEIR
EXTRA SET OF WINGS.
A firefly flies off a person’s finger.
Leo says, OOH! ANOTHER MAGICAL THING
ABOUT FIREFLIES,
THEY HELP KEEP ME, AND MY FISH
BUDDIES, WELL FED.
SO, WE WANT TO ENSURE
THEY KEEP POLLINATING
THE FLOWERING PLANTS
ALONG THE RIVERBANKS
SO OTHER BUGS KEEP COMING
TO OUR WATERING HOLES
TO FILL OUR BELLIES.
MMM, MMM!
THE POLLINHEADS' MISSION
INVOLVES WORKING INTO THE NIGHT
AT THE ROUGE NATIONAL
URBAN PARK
WITH RESEARCHER,
AARON FAIRWEATHER,
FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH.
Chloe and Housten work with Aaron in the dark of night.
Leo says, TONIGHT, WE'RE DISCOVERING
THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE MAGIC.
OH, HOW I LOVE MY MAGICAL
FIREFLY FRIENDS!
Leo sings, YOU LIGHT ME UP, UP, UP
YOU LIGHT ME UP.
An aerial view shows a trail in Rouge National Urban Park. Aaron walks with Housten and Chloe on the trail.
Aaron says, SO, OUR FIRST MISSION
FOR TODAY
IS TO FIND SOME FIREFLY LARVAE.
Text reads, Aaron Fairweather, University of Guelph, Researcher.
Aaron says, AND ASSESS THEIR POPULATION
NUMBERS.
Chloe says, SOUNDS GREAT!
Aaron says, AND HERE IS WHAT THEY
LOOK LIKE.
Aaron shows Chloe and Housten a paper.
Chloe says, WOW!
Housten says, WOW!
Aaron says, THIS IS A FIREFLY ADULT,
WE KINDA KNOW
WHAT THOSE LOOK LIKE,
BUT THIS IS THE LARVAE.
Aaron shows Chloe and Housten a picture of a larvae.
Chloe and Housten say, WOW!
Chloe says, IT KINDA LOOKS LIKE IT'S GOT
SPIKY THINGS ON THE SIDE.
Housten says, YEAH!
Aaron says, YEAH.
AND THEN, AFTER THE LARVAE
SEARCH, LATER ON TONIGHT,
WE'RE GONNA FIND THE ADULTS.
THAT'S THE BEST TIME TO FIND
THEM, WHEN THEY'RE FLASHING.
Housten asks, DO THEY ONLY FLY AT NIGHT,
OR IS IT THAT WE JUST CAN'T
SEE THEM IN THE DAY?
Aaron says, BOTH FIREFLY LARVAE,
AND ADULTS, ARE NOCTURNAL.
THAT MEANS THAT THEY ARE ONLY
ACTIVE AT NIGHT.
IT'S GONNA BE A LITTLE BIT
TRICKY FOR US TO FIND
A LARVAE DURING THE DAY,
BUT WE'RE GONNA DO OUR BEST.
FIREFLY ADULTS USE A FLASHING,
OR A LIGHT,
TO SEE ONE ANOTHER,
AND TO KNOW WHERE A MATE IS.
DURING THE DAY,
THEY CAN'T SEE ONE ANOTHER.
THERE'S A LOT OF LIGHT
POLLUTION AROUND NOWADAYS,
SO THAT'S ONE OF THE CHALLENGES
THAT THEY'RE FACING.
Chloe says, I GET IT.
TOO MUCH MAN-MADE LIGHT
MEANS THEY CAN'T SEE
THE LIGHT SIGNALS
FROM THE OTHER FIREFLIES.
Aaron, Housten and Chloe continue down the trail.
Chloe asks, WHEN ARE WE GONNA SEE
THE FIREFLIES POLLINATING?
Aaron says, SO, THEY MOSTLY
POLLINATE AT NIGHT,
AND WE'RE LIKELY
NOT TO SEE THEM.
Housten asks, DO THEY POLLINATE LIKE BEES
AND CARRY POLLEN
FROM ONE FLOWER TO ANOTHER?
Aaron says, THEY'RE NOT AS EFFICIENT
AT POLLINATING AS BEES.
THEY LAND ON FLOWERS AT NIGHT,
AND THEY DO PICK UP SOME POLLEN
ON TO THEIR BODIES,
AND BRING IT TO OTHER FLOWERS,
AND THERE'S EVEN SOME FLOWERS
THAT REQUIRE THEM
FOR POLLINATION, BECAUSE THEY
ONLY FLOWER AT NIGHT.
ARE WE ALL READY TO GO FIND
SOME LARVAE?
Chloe says, YOU BET!
Housten says, YEP!
Aaron says, AND I'M GLAD TO SEE
YOU BOTH DRESSED
AND PROTECTED AGAINST TICKS.
Leo says, SAFETY CHECK!
WHEN WALKING IN TALL,
GRASSY SECTIONS OF PARKS,
YOU NEED TO KNOW HOW TO SPOT
AND PROTECT YOURSELF
FROM TICKS.
Leo wears a hard hat.
Leo says, TICKS HAVE EIGHT LEGS AND
ARE PART OF THE SPIDER FAMILY.
A TICK ATTACHES ITSELF
TO THE SKIN OF AN ANIMAL
AND SUCKS BLOOD.
THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF KINDS
OF TICKS ON THE PLANET,
BUT THE ONES OUR POLLINHEADS
HAVE TO WATCH OUT FOR TODAY,
ARE DEER TICKS.
THE DEER TICK MAY BE TINY,
BUT BE CAREFUL,
BECAUSE YOU COULD GET VERY SICK
FROM THEIR BITE.
SO, HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
TO PROTECT YOURSELF.
Chloe walks through tall grass wearing yellow rubber boots.
Leo says, WEAR LIGHT-COLOURED CLOTHING
TO HELP YOU SPOT THE TICKS,
TUCK YOUR PANT LEGS
INTO YOUR SOCKS
AND WEAR A LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT,
SPRAY TICK REPELLENT
AROUND YOUR NECK AND HAIRLINE,
BUT DON'T GET ANY IN YOUR EYES!
Housten and Leo dress to protect themselves. Chloe looks over Housten.
Leo says, AFTER YOU SPEND TIME OUTSIDE,
CHECK YOURSELF FOR TICKS.
Housten looks over Chloe.
Leo says, THEN HAVE A WARM SHOWER
AND WASH YOUR CLOTHES.
Housten gives Chloe a thumbs up. Chloe smiles. Aaron, Housten and Chloe walk toward a lake. Different animals swim in the water. Aaron kneels beside a log.
He says, LET'S LOOK HERE.
OH, WOW.
Housten says, WOW!
Chloe says, OH MY GOSH!
Aaron says, LOOK AT THIS!
THIS IS AN ADULT FIREFLY.
Aaron holds a firefly.
Housten says, WOAH.
Chloe says, OH MY GOSH!
THAT WAS NOT SUPPOSED
TO HAPPEN.
Aaron says, NOPE, NOT DURING THE DAY.
THIS IS PRETTY RARE.
Housten says, THAT LOOKS SO COOL!
Aaron says, YEAH, THEY'RE REALLY
COOL. AND DURING THE DAY,
USUALLY THEY'RE
HIDING UNDERNEATH MOSS,
AND LICHENS, OR LOGS,
WAITING FOR THE NIGHT,
WHERE THEY CAN FLASH
AND FIND A MATE.
Chloe says, I CAN HARDLY WAIT FOR TONIGHT
FOR THE LIGHT SHOW.
Housten says, ME TOO!
ALRIGHT, LET'S KEEP SEARCHING
FOR LARVAE!
Aaron says, LET'S.
(Upbeat music plays)
Chloe rolls over a log.
She says, HEY, AARON!
I THINK I FOUND ONE!
Aaron says, OH!
Aaron joins Chloe. Chloe points toward the ground.
She says, RIGHT HERE.
Aaron says, THAT'S ACTUALLY AN ISOPOD.
OR, A PILL BUG,
Chloe asks, WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN THEM?
Aaron says, PILL BUGS HAVE EIGHT LEGS,
WHEREAS THE FIREFLY LARVAE
WILL HAVE SIX.
Chloe asks, DO THEY HAVE LIKE,
KIND OF THE SAME STAGES
ON HOW THEY GROW UP, OR?
Aaron says, SO, THESE ONES ACTUALLY
LOOK PRETTY SIMILAR
TO ONE ANOTHER
AS THEY'RE GROWING.
THEY KEEP KIND OF THE SAME.
WHEREAS, FIREFLIES,
THEY START AS LARVAE,
TURN INTO PUPAE,
AND THEN LOOK VERY DIFFERENT
AS ADULTS.
Chloe says, WELL, LET'S KEEP LOOKING.
Aaron says, LET'S!
A snail moves on a log.
Aaron says, HEY, COME LOOK AT THIS!
Chloe and Housten join Aaron. They kneel by the log.
Housten says, THERE'S NO LARVA,
BUT WHAT'S WITH
ALL OF THE SNAILS?
Aaron says, SO, THESE SNAILS
ARE THE FOOD
THAT THE FIREFLY LARVAE
WILL EAT.
Housten says, WOW, THESE ARE BIG
FOR THOSE LITTLE LARVA.
Aaron says, YEAH, SO THEY ACTUALLY
USE A NUMBING FLUID
TO MAKE SURE THAT
THEY DON'T MOVE.
Chloe says, NUMBING FLUID?
Aaron says, IT'S LIKE
A PARALYZING AGENT,
SO IT MAKES IT SO THAT
THEY WON'T MOVE AROUND
OR TRY TO ESCAPE.
Chloe nods.
Aaron adds, AND THEN MAKES IT SO THEY
CAN EAT THEM MORE EASILY.
Chloe says, OH!
Housten asks, WHO EATS THE LARVA?
Aaron says, ALL KINDS OF THINGS -
OTHER INSECTS,
LIKE, ANTS WILL EAT THE LARVA,
BIRDS, AND ACTUALLY FISH WILL,
AS WELL.
Housten says, WOW! LEO WOULD LOVE THIS!
Leo says, MMM! MMM! MMM!
YUM!
Aaron says, THE DAY IS GETTING
A LITTLE BIT LATE,
SO, LET'S TRY ONE MORE TIME
TO FIND THESE LARVAE.
Housten says, OKAY!
Chloe says, YEAH!
(Upbeat music plays)
Chloe, Housten and Aaron continue searching.
Chloe says, I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!
I MEAN WE’VE SEEN CENTIPEDES,
SNAILS, BABY DUCKS.
AND NOW FROGS!
Aaron says, YEAH, ALL KINDS OF THINGS.
THE PILL BUGS,
AND EVEN THE ADULT FIREFLY
WE SAW EARLIER.
Aaron says, OH YEAH! I SEE WHY YOU
LOVE YOUR JOB SO MUCH!
Aaron says, I THINK IT'S TIME NOW
THAT WE SHIFT OVER
AND SEE THE FIREFLY
LIGHT SHOW.
Chloe says, COOL!
Housten says, YEAH!
Aaron says, ALRIGHT, LET'S GO.
Chloe says, BYE, BYE, LITTLE GUYS!
Housten laughs.
(Upbeat music plays)
As clouds pass through the sky, day turns to night. Aaron, Housten and Chloe wear head lamps and carry bug nets.
Housten asks, HOW MANY SPECIES OF FIREFLIES
ARE THERE?
Aaron says, THERE IS OVER 2,000 SPECIES
OF FIREFLIES, WORLDWIDE.
Chloe says, WAIT,
THERE ARE OVER 2,000 TYPES
OF FIREFLIES IN THE WORLD?
Aaron says, THAT'S RIGHT,
AND THERE'S OVER 100 SPECIES
IN NORTH AMERICA, ALONE.
THAT MEANS, THE FLASHING THAT
YOU SEE IN YOUR BACKYARDS,
MIGHT BE MULTIPLE SPECIES
OF FIREFLIES.
Chloe says, WOW!
Housten says, I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE
THE FIREFLY SHOW!
Chloe says, ME TOO!
Aaron says, IT'S GONNA BE SO MUCH FUN.
AND TONIGHT,
WE'RE PROBABLY GONNA SEE
THE ANGEL CANDLE FIREFLY.
IT'S THE MOST COMMON SPECIES
WE HAVE IN NORTH AMERICA.
LET'S GO!
Housten and Chloe smile.
Leo says, WELCOME TO
AN ENLIGHTENING EDITION
OF "WHAT'S THE BUZZ?"
A graphic reads, What’s the Buzz? With Leo.
Leo says, EN-LIGHT-ENING.
GET IT?
Leo giggles.
Leo says, FIREFLIES HAVE DEDICATED
LIGHT ORGANS
THAT ARE LOCATED
UNDER THEIR ABDOMENS,
THAT FLASH INTERMITTENTLY,
AND IN PATTERNS UNIQUE
TO EACH SPECIES.
A firefly’s light flashes.
Leo says, EACH BLINKING PATTERN
HELPS FIREFLIES
TO FIND POTENTIAL MATES!
AW, IT'S THEIR SOS SIGNAL
FOR LOVE.
FIREFLIES' LIGHT ALSO SERVES
AS A DEFENCE MECHANISM
THAT FLASHES A CLEAR WARNING
OF THE INSECT'S HORRIBLE TASTE,
OR BLINDS WOULD-BE PREDATORS,
LIKE BATS.
YOU HAVE TO ADMIRE
HOW MAGICAL THEY ARE
TRYING NOT TO END UP
IN MY BELLY,
AND I DEFINITELY DON'T EAT
ANYTHING
THAT FLASHES LIKE THAT.
WOULD YOU?
Chloe, Housten and Aaron swing their nets as they walk through tall grass. Chloe swings and grunts.
She says, OH MY GOSH,
IT'S ON YOUR JACKET!
Chloe points to Housten’s jacket. Housten looks down.
He asks, WHERE?
Chloe says, RIGHT HERE,
AND IT'S FLASHING!
Chloe points to a firefly flashes on Housten’s elbow.
Housten says, I CAN'T SEE!
Housten giggles. Aaron swings his net.
(Gasp)
Housten says, RIGHT THERE!
Chloe says, HOUSTEN, GRAB THAT ONE!
Housten says, THERE'S SOME OVER THERE!
Chloe says, GO GET IT!
Housten runs through the grass. He and Chloe join Aaron.
Chloe says, HOUSTEN CAUGHT ONE!
Aaron says, OH, THAT'S AMAZING!
I HAVE GOT SOME HERE,
MYSELF, AS WELL.
THESE BEAUTIFUL INSECTS
HAVE A SEGMENT
AT THE END OF THEIR ABDOMEN,
RIGHT NEXT TO THEIR BUTT
CALLED THE LANTERN.
AND THAT IS WHERE
THEY PRODUCE THEIR LIGHT.
THE LIGHT IS MADE
BY COMBINING A CHEMICAL
CALLED LUCIFERIN,
WITH OXYGEN, AND THEN...
IT FLASHES THAT BEAUTIFUL
LIGHT PATTERN.
Chloe says, WHAT THE HECK IS THAT?
IT DOESN'T SOUND VERY TASTY.
Aaron says, NO, BUT THESE ORGANISMS
CAN MAKE THAT LIGHT
FROM THE THINGS THAT THEY EAT
IN THE ENVIRONMENT.
IMAGINE, JUST BEING ABLE
TO CREATE LIGHT
FROM THE THINGS THAT YOU EAT.
Housten says, THAT SOUNDS BIZARRE!
KIND OF COOL, BUT BIZARRE!
Aaron says, IT IS KIND OF BIZARRE.
THIS CHEMICAL REACTION
THAT ORGANISMS PRODUCE
IS CALLED BIOLUMINESCENCE.
IT'S THE ACT OF PRODUCING LIGHT
IN YOUR BODY.
Choe says, AND THAT'S THE MAGIC
WE SEE
WHEN THEY FLASH AS THEY FLY BY.
Aaron says, THAT'S RIGHT,
NATURE IS FULL OF MAGIC,
AND WE'RE GONNA SEE THE
FULL LIGHTSHOW, TONIGHT.
NOW, LET'S LET THESE GUYS GO,
AND HAVE THEM ENJOY THE PARTY.
Chloe says, I'M SO EXCITED!
Housten says, YEAH!
Aaron lets his captured fireflies free.
Housten says, LEO IS RIGHT,
THESE FIREFLIES ARE MAGICAL.
Housten sits on a log between Aaron and Chloe.
Chloe says, THE BEST KIND OF MAGIC.
ALL COURTESY OF MOTHER NATURE.
THANKS, AARON.
Aaron says, NO PROBLEM.
IT'S BEEN AMAZING TO SHARE THE
FIREFLIES WITH YOU POLLINHEADS.
Aaron, Housten and Chloe hold bags of popcorn. They put one of their hands together between them.
Housten and Chloe say, HIGH FLY!
Aaron, Housten and Chloe raise their hands together toward the night sky.
Leo says, POLLINHEADS ALERT!
ATTENTION, FELLOW POLLINHEADS!
OUR FIREFLY FRIENDS
NEED EVERYONE'S HELP.
IF YOU LIVE NEAR THE WATER,
OR HAVE A COTTAGE,
LET GRASSES AND PLANTS
GROW AROUND THE WATER'S EDGE
BECAUSE IT'S WHERE THE
FIREFLIES LAY THEIR EGGS,
AND FEED ON NECTAR.
GIVING THEM A HOME,
AND FOOD,
IS A SURE-FIRE WAY TO HELP
THE FIREFLY POPULATION
SO THEY CAN KEEP POLLINATING
AND PROVIDING FOOD FOR ME.
OH, I MEAN, FOR MY FISH
AND BIRD FRIENDS.
Leo watches a monitor. A firefly rests on Aaron’s thumb.
Leo says, FIREFLIES ARE MOSTLY NOCTURNAL
AND LIGHT POLLUTION
IS A BIG PROBLEM FOR THEM.
SO, KEEP YOUR OUTSIDE LIGHTS
OFF AT NIGHT,
SO MY MAGICAL FIREFLY FRIENDS
CAN KEEP SHINING THEIR LIGHT.
Leo sings, YOU LIGHT ME UP, UP, UP
BA DA, DA, DA, DA, DA.
(Bright music plays)
Leo watches credits roll.
Directed by Kim Saltarski.
Written by Kim Saltarski.
Created by Karen Hawes and Christopher Szarka.
Produced by Christopher Szarka and Raj Panikkar.
With Naomi Melvin as ‘Leo’ and Chloe Drayton and Housten Daghighi.
Produced in association with tvokids.
Fifth Ground Entertainment.
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