By Soren Anderson-Flynn

Fireflies are not actually flies. They are a family of beetles, and they put on the best show in the Berkshires.

A living, breathing blanket of fireflies is setting alight the meadows of Hancock Shaker Village. Of the more than 2,000 known species of firefly, just a few are here tonight. Those present are showing off: flickering in patterns from sporadic flurries to Nike-swoosh-like arcs and colors from fiery orange to lemon-lime green.

The Massachusetts Audubon Society led firefly enthusiasts on an evening’s walk through the village’s grounds, one of the many firefly-focused events taking place in the Berkshires this summer. During the light show, overeager watchers interrupted the performance to fumble for their phones. The flash of cameras only obscured the fireflies. The scientist in charge of the tour, used to this routine, made an observation. “Fireflies are one of the few phenomena you can’t photograph or video. You have to be there to see it,” she said.

Eleven miles from Pittsfield, lightning bugs also took center stage at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox. The theater company is performing “Fireflies,” a play about a woman tapping into youthful joy and finding love at an older age. Though there are no anthropomorphic fireflies in the show (sorry to disappoint) the fake switchgrass and evening-blue hue of the show’s set gives the impression that lightning bugs are bound to show up any minute.

Why the name “Fireflies”? Though she didn’t name the play, director Daniela Varon has a theory. “Fireflies have a one- or two-year lifespan underground, and then they transform and have this great finale. This play is about how you can still shine your brightest later in the game,” she said.

“Fireflies” is a romance, and the bioluminescent show that descends upon the Berkshires every summer is really an elaborate mating dance. Male fireflies zip around the air, flashing in patterns and colors distinct to their species. Females remain perched close to the ground and only flash back when they see the light of a desirable, compatible mate. Not too different from human romance—is it?

Although scheduled firefly events across the Berkshires have concluded for the season, you can watch fireflies dance on your own through the end of July.

First, find a field or patch of forest near you. Then, wait until dusk and show up with a blanket, popcorn, and your strongest can of bug spray—curse those damn mosquitoes. Nets are optional (but recommended) for both actual children and your inner child.

Firefly season in New England is a summertime event. Though, if you miss it, I hear Mother Nature is offering a re-run next year. Go. It’s one of the few phenomena you can’t see on video.