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Lighting the Way: How Can Students Shape Firefly Conservation?

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A close-up image of a firefly perched on the end of a blade of grass, with blurred foliage in the background.Fireflies offer a rich study system for students in entomology and conservation biology. Through data collection, research, and collaboration, you can help ensure that fireflies continue to light up our nights for generations to come. Bicellonycha wickershamorum, shown here, is among species currently petitioned to be added to the list of threatened and endangered species under the Endangered Species Act in the U.S. (Photo by Candace Fallon, Xerces Society)

By Rachel Laura

Editor’s Note: This post is part of a series contributed by the ESA Student Affairs Committee. See other posts by and for entomology students here at Entomology Today.

A person wearing glasses, a blue jacket, and a headlamp smiles while holding a large moth in their hand at night.Rachel Laura

Fireflies, iconic insects that bring magic to summer nights, face growing threats worldwide. Habitat loss, pesticide use, and light pollution have contributed to significant declines in firefly populations. An 18-year study of female glowworms in the United Kingdom found an average decline of 3.5 percent per year. Additionally, in 2021, 18 North American firefly species were classified as vulnerable to extinction, while over half of the species assessed lacked sufficient data to inform conservation efforts.

In 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed listing Photuris bethaniensis, also known as the Bethany Beach firefly, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act—the first firefly to receive this status. Four additional species, across diverse U.S. habitats, have also been petitioned to be added to the list of threatened and endangered species, emphasizing the urgency of firefly conservation—an area where students can play a pivotal role. Here I provide a brief introduction to fireflies, the power of community science, innovative research techniques, and some easy ways that you can help.

Fireflies: A Fascinating Study System

Fireflies, in the beetle family Lampyridae, offer a rich study system for students in entomology and conservation biology. Their diverse life histories include flashing fireflies that use light signals for communication, diurnal fireflies that rely on pheromones, and glowworm fireflies with flightless females.

These behavioral differences translate into varying vulnerabilities. Flashing fireflies are highly affected by light pollution, while habitat fragmentation significantly threatens glowworm fireflies due to their limited dispersal ability. Broader threats such as climate change and urbanization impact all species to varying degrees.

This complexity presents numerous research opportunities. Students can investigate pesticide impacts, study species interactions, or model population trends, contributing to our understanding and protection of these insects.

Leveraging Community Science

Programs like the Xerces Society’s Firefly Atlas demonstrate the power of community science in conservation. Launched in 2022, the Atlas engages volunteers across North America to document firefly populations, focusing on 13 priority species.

In 2024, volunteers submitted 385 incidental firefly observations and 217 full surveys, creating extensive datasets that would be difficult for individual researchers to collect alone. These databases offer students opportunities to analyze data, engage communities, and develop thesis projects rooted in real-world conservation needs.

Students can use these datasets to map species distributions, model habitat preferences, and track population trends. These analyses inform conservation strategies, such as prioritizing habitat protection and mitigating light pollution. Additionally, these efforts provide critical baseline data for assessing conservation status, enabling students to identify threats, predict climate change impacts, and advocate for science-based policy decisions.

Three people stand in tall grass in a wooded area, wearing outdoor gear and boots. Two take notes as a third holds equipment.Fireflies offer a rich study system for students in entomology and conservation biology. Through data collection, research, and collaboration, you can help ensure that fireflies continue to light up our nights for generations to come. Here, Rachel Laura (left) a Ph.D. student at the University of Arizona specializing in the study of fireflies, conducts fieldwork with two volunteers. (Photo by Candace Fallon, Xerces Society)

Innovative Research Methods

Firefly research isn’t limited to traditional surveys. Novel techniques are expanding possibilities, such as the use of wildlife cameras to capture firefly flashes in remote areas.

Recent advancements include using stereoscopic 360-degree cameras to study synchronization in fireflies and identify species-specific flash patterns. These open-source methods, freely available to students, provide estimates of firefly densities and help identify species within mixed swarms.

As a Ph.D. student, I have been testing field methods commonly used for birds or mammals, such as distance sampling, to develop robust firefly population estimates. These innovations highlight how students can explore novel methodologies and refine techniques that can be applied in new ecological settings.

The Role of Student Voices

Students bring fresh perspectives and energy to firefly conservation. Your voices matter—not just in academia but in public discourse and policy advocacy. By participating in community science, developing innovative research, and collaborating across disciplines, you can enhance our understanding of fireflies and contribute to meaningful conservation efforts.

Even students without a firefly focus can help by contributing data through the Firefly Atlas, which provides training on species identification and survey methods, along with expert photo review for accurate identification.

Your work also plays a role in raising public interest in biodiversity. By connecting with community scientists, sharing research, and fostering curiosity, you help bridge the gap between academia and the general public—an essential element of conservation success.

A Bright Future

Fireflies are more than a symbol of summer; they represent ecological resilience and wonder. Students have a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their conservation. Through data collection, research, and collaboration, you can help ensure that fireflies continue to light up our nights for generations to come.

Rachel Laura is a Ph.D. student at the University of Arizona specializing in the study of fireflies in the arid southwest. She also serves as the deputy executive director for Friends of the Verde River. With a focus on understanding the ecology, behavior, and conservation needs of these charismatic insects, Rachel is dedicated to advancing science-based strategies for preserving their unique habitats. Through her research, Rachel aims to shed light on the vital ecological roles of fireflies and contribute to the broader knowledge of southwestern biodiversity. Email: [email protected].


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