What do you think: Is it OK for kids to capture fireflies and bugs to learn about nature?

When I was a kid I’d spend summer nights collecting fireflies. I wasn’t interested in killing them–just capturing them and watching them flash in the jar. But is it OK to go firefly hunting? Or are we hurting the firefly population and teaching kids the wrong idea about ways to interact with nature? Should we all give up on our firefly lanterns?

The question is inspired by a heated conversation over at the Guardian about whether or not kids should use butterfly nets.

I’ll call some entomologists to see what they think–but in the meantime, I’d love to hear from you.

Photo credit: Flickr user Jamelah.