Are Fireflies Disappearing? How You Can Help
Just a few nights ago, I sat outside and watched the first firefly display of the season in my backyard. It's an activity I've enjoyed since I was a kid. Male fireflies flash a light signal that broadcasts their species to females nearby. A receptive female, waiting in the grass, will reply if she likes what she sees. Fireflies produce light using a special organ on their abdomens.
If you enjoy watching fireflies as I do, you can spend 10 minutes per week volunteering for Firefly Watch. The Boston Museum of Science has teamed up with researchers from Tufts University and Fitchburg State College to track the fate of these amazing insects. With your help, scientists hope to learn about the geographic distribution of fireflies and their activity during the summer season.
Fireflies seem to be on the decline, and biologists suspect human impacts may be the cause. Fireflies may be affected by artificial lights, pesticide use, and even frequent mowing of lawns. Your participation in Firefly Watch will provide scientists with data about firefly habitats and distribution.
So how do you get involved? Visit the Firefly Watch website and sign up. You'll be asked to provide some information about your backyard, park, or schoolyard. Then spend just 10 minutes, one night per week, recording what you see there. Throughout the summer, scientists will update the website with information about what they're learning with your help.
Comments
Fireflies seem to have a worldwide distribution. I visited Dokmai Garden in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in June 2009. I saw hundreds of fireflies in the evening. Apparently they are of many species, as the light signals were different. Dokmai Garden is renowned for its plant collections, but it is less known that the owner takes a pride in promoting the local insects. For instance, I saw the Golden Birdwing butterfly flap its eaglewings. The owner actually promotes the growth of its food plant Aristolochia tagala, while her Thai neighbours simply burns the plants. Apparently Duranta erecta is the main nectar plant for the Thai butterflies. I saw a cloud of about 25 species fly around these plants. Lovely insect sights both day and night!
I signed up for your newsletter! Thanks for the tip about the firefly watch. I will participate. They make my summer more enjoyable.