Know the Calendar Before You Go
While it’s not always possible to predict which days a thunderfly hotspot will be at its best, there are a few clues you can look for to get an idea of when it’s happening. The first is to pay attention to the date. In areas where thunderflies are common, you’ll probably notice that they often appear on certain days of the week (usually Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays). That’s because these are the only days when they are naturally attracted to light. The weather may also clue you into what’s likely to happen. If it’s unusually warm and humid, you may find that the creatures are more visible and plentiful. If it’s a bit cooler, they may be less active. Another thing you can check is the wind direction. If it’s blowing towards you, the insects may be approaching in a light breeze. If it’s blowing from the side, they may be flying overhead instead (a popular way for them to enter buildings).
Learn a bit of Entomology
Before you go chasing after thunderflies, it might be helpful to learn a bit about them. You can find out basic information about them online or pick up a book about the subject. While you’re at it, you can also brush up on some basic insect biology and basic entomology. If you have any questions about the insects you see, it can be helpful to know their scientific names.
The first thing you should know is why they’re called “thunderflies.” This name comes from the fact that they’re attracted to lights, but they’re also attracted to the sound of thunder. Although they’re commonly referred to as “thunderflies,” they’re not actually a member of the true fly family. They’re actually a type of wasp that belongs to the order Hymenoptera.
Bring a flashlight
If the weather is warm and humid, you’ll likely see insects more frequently. However, you don’t want to head outside with the sole intent of catching them if it’s hot and humid, as this can damage their wings. Instead, bring a flashlight with you. This will allow you to “irradiate” the insects, which is what they’re biologically designed to do. When you shine a flashlight on them, it “irradiates” them with white light, allowing them to see you and illuminate their wings. If you can find a spot that’s shaded a bit and has no people or animals nearby, this may give you the best chance at catching one. You can also use a flashlight to attract them near an open window or doorway, as they like to fly through these openings.
Take a stroll before sunset
After you’ve learned to catch some thunderflies insects, it’s also a good idea to take a walk before sunset. This is when they’re most active, and if you go for a stroll before the sun goes down, you’re more likely to encounter them. There are many places where you can find beauty and tranquility such as parks, beaches, and mountain tops. If you’re near one of these places, take a stroll before sunset. It can be helpful to bring a pen and paper, as you can mark down the areas you find beautiful and interesting.
Watch for signs of activity – do they appear earlier in the evening?
One thing to keep in mind is the time of day when you’re out. Thunderflies are more likely to be spotted in the evening than in the bright sunlight. This may seem a bit strange since they don’t fly, but they instead flap their wings when they’re attracted to light. They’re also more likely to be seen close to streetlights as this is where their natural light is best. You can also try keeping an eye out for them when you’re out in the evening. You may notice that some are more active than others.
Trap if you can’t catch anything on your own
If you’ve gone outside with a flashlight and a trap, but there’s no sign of any thunderflies in a few hours, it may be worth bringing some back inside. It’s not clear if they’re in the trap or if they’re just being shy, but it may be worth checking again in the morning. It’s also worth noting that some traps aren’t great at catching both the insects and their larvae.
Don’t forget to let them go before sunrise and bring them back again after sundown
It’s easy to get carried away when you’re catching thunderflies, but it’s important that you let them go before sunrise. This means taking them outside as soon as you check the traps and releasing them as soon as you find them. It’s also important that you bring them back in again before sunset. Some species are only active during the day, so it’s important that you bring them back in after night falls. It’s also worth noting that you can bring them back inside the traps during the day. You can also release them outside in a tree or bush, or let them fly towards a window or door that they may like to fly through.
Thunderflies are one of the many insects that come out at dusk during the summer. This happens because they’re specifically attracted to light; that’s why they’re often seen hovering near streetlights. It’s not clear if humans have any impact on their appearance or abundance, but we do seem to enjoy seeing them from time to time. If you plan on catching some thunderflies for yourself, here are some tips that may make your experience more enjoyable.
