Are the fireflies fading away? Fireflies under threat of extinction

Fireflies extinction: Will ours be the last generation lucky enough to see fireflies? Our tiny fireflies are in danger of extinction. Researchers predict that fireflies will become extinct within a few years. A study published in the Science of the Total Environment had recorded that the number of fireflies in the world is decreasing significantly.

Vanishing fireflies

Fireflies are in danger of extinction not only in Kerala or India, but all over the world. Fireflies belong to the Lampyridae family. This includes more than 2,000 species. As part of a biological process, the signal emitted by fireflies to attract a mate is what we perceive as light at night. The chemical reaction in the abdomen of fireflies produces yellow, green, and light red light with wavelengths ranging from 510 to 670 nanometers. Fireflies are creatures that spend most of their time in the soil or under leaves. Fireflies mostly live in humid environments such as wetlands and marshes.

Researchers say that urbanization, agricultural expansion, pesticide use, and deforestation have caused the destruction and fragmentation of fireflies’ habitats. Adverse conditions have adversely affected the survival and reproduction of fireflies. According to an article published by National Geographic, researcher Rafael de Kock explained that this is what is causing concerns that fireflies are heading towards extinction.

Pesticides and the threat

Another crisis affecting fireflies is the use of pesticides in agricultural fields. Researchers have found that pesticides are not only endangering the lives of fireflies, but also destroying the snails that are essential for their larvae. It is estimated that excessive pesticide use has also negatively affected the habitats of fireflies, as water bodies have been polluted. Moreover, light pollution caused by artificial lights is also a threat to the extinction of these creatures. Studies say that light pollution is one of the biggest threats to the survival of fireflies.

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