Call them fireflies or lightning bugs, but are there fewer in Indiana than in the past?
Editor's note: This story was originally published in 2022. We are republishing it as part of our summer coverage.
Chasing lightning bugs on a summer night is a rite of passage for many young Indiana residents.
In fact, Indiana's state insect is a lightning bug.
There are about 40 species of what are called Lampyridae, or light-emitting beetles, in Indiana and more than 1,900 types worldwide. They've been around for millions of years, but some Hoosiers say it feels like they're seeing fewer flashes across the night sky than in the past.
Lightning bugs or fireflies: What are those glowing insects called?
So, are lightning bugs disappearing from Indiana?
'If we go from qualitative assessment alone, they seem to be on the decline,' said Sérgio Henriques, who serves as the Invertebrate Conservation Coordinator for the Indianapolis Zoo's Global Center for Species Survival.
Part of the problem, however, is that there isn't adequate data on lightning bugs to speak with specificity. Researchers across the country, like Henriques, are working to gather more information and assess the threat of extinction.
'It's complicated and it depends on the species,' Henriques said of the level of threat. 'But overall, they're not doing great.'
There are several reasons why fireflies are at risk. The first is an issue that plagues many struggling species: loss of habitat.
Fireflies do well in areas with some moisture and humidity — they often live near ponds, streams, marshes, rivers and lakes or in the margins where these areas meet fields and forests. However, development and climate change are shrinking places where they survive.
They also are suffering because of light pollution.The firefly's light is like a whisper, Henriques said, 'while our lights are really loud in comparison and drown them out.'
Fireflies have a lifespan of just a couple months. All the lights at night disorient them and can interfere with their ability to find a mate.
Scrub Hub: Is there a good turf grass replacement that's dog-friendly and low- or no-mow?
One of the other main threats comes from chemicals: The use of pesticides and herbicides on lawns can wreak havoc on fireflies.
Henriques said there are 'little and easy' things Hoosiers can do to help lightning bugs. He suggests reducing lights at night, planting native species or installing a rain garden. Another option: reducing the chemicals you use on your yard or in your house.
'Fireflies are a privilege,' he said. 'It would be such a waste of a treasure if they were to decline or be gone.'
IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Are there fewer fireflies in Indiana than in the past?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Yahoo
Call them fireflies or lightning bugs, but are there fewer in Indiana than in the past?
Editor's note: This story was originally published in 2022. We are republishing it as part of our summer coverage. Chasing lightning bugs on a summer night is a rite of passage for many young Indiana residents. In fact, Indiana's state insect is a lightning bug. There are about 40 species of what are called Lampyridae, or light-emitting beetles, in Indiana and more than 1,900 types worldwide. They've been around for millions of years, but some Hoosiers say it feels like they're seeing fewer flashes across the night sky than in the past. Lightning bugs or fireflies: What are those glowing insects called? So, are lightning bugs disappearing from Indiana? 'If we go from qualitative assessment alone, they seem to be on the decline,' said Sérgio Henriques, who serves as the Invertebrate Conservation Coordinator for the Indianapolis Zoo's Global Center for Species Survival. Part of the problem, however, is that there isn't adequate data on lightning bugs to speak with specificity. Researchers across the country, like Henriques, are working to gather more information and assess the threat of extinction. 'It's complicated and it depends on the species,' Henriques said of the level of threat. 'But overall, they're not doing great.' There are several reasons why fireflies are at risk. The first is an issue that plagues many struggling species: loss of habitat. Fireflies do well in areas with some moisture and humidity — they often live near ponds, streams, marshes, rivers and lakes or in the margins where these areas meet fields and forests. However, development and climate change are shrinking places where they survive. They also are suffering because of light firefly's light is like a whisper, Henriques said, 'while our lights are really loud in comparison and drown them out.' Fireflies have a lifespan of just a couple months. All the lights at night disorient them and can interfere with their ability to find a mate. Scrub Hub: Is there a good turf grass replacement that's dog-friendly and low- or no-mow? One of the other main threats comes from chemicals: The use of pesticides and herbicides on lawns can wreak havoc on fireflies. Henriques said there are 'little and easy' things Hoosiers can do to help lightning bugs. He suggests reducing lights at night, planting native species or installing a rain garden. Another option: reducing the chemicals you use on your yard or in your house. 'Fireflies are a privilege,' he said. 'It would be such a waste of a treasure if they were to decline or be gone.' IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Are there fewer fireflies in Indiana than in the past?
Indianapolis Star
26-05-2025
- Indianapolis Star
Call them fireflies or lightning bugs, but are there fewer in Indiana than in the past?
Editor's note: This story was originally published in 2022. We are republishing it as part of our summer coverage. Chasing lightning bugs on a summer night is a rite of passage for many young Indiana residents. In fact, Indiana's state insect is a lightning bug. There are about 40 species of what are called Lampyridae, or light-emitting beetles, in Indiana and more than 1,900 types worldwide. They've been around for millions of years, but some Hoosiers say it feels like they're seeing fewer flashes across the night sky than in the past. Lightning bugs or fireflies: What are those glowing insects called? So, are lightning bugs disappearing from Indiana? 'If we go from qualitative assessment alone, they seem to be on the decline,' said Sérgio Henriques, who serves as the Invertebrate Conservation Coordinator for the Indianapolis Zoo's Global Center for Species Survival. Part of the problem, however, is that there isn't adequate data on lightning bugs to speak with specificity. Researchers across the country, like Henriques, are working to gather more information and assess the threat of extinction. 'It's complicated and it depends on the species,' Henriques said of the level of threat. 'But overall, they're not doing great.' There are several reasons why fireflies are at risk. The first is an issue that plagues many struggling species: loss of habitat. Fireflies do well in areas with some moisture and humidity — they often live near ponds, streams, marshes, rivers and lakes or in the margins where these areas meet fields and forests. However, development and climate change are shrinking places where they survive. They also are suffering because of light firefly's light is like a whisper, Henriques said, 'while our lights are really loud in comparison and drown them out.' Fireflies have a lifespan of just a couple months. All the lights at night disorient them and can interfere with their ability to find a mate. Scrub Hub: Is there a good turf grass replacement that's dog-friendly and low- or no-mow? One of the other main threats comes from chemicals: The use of pesticides and herbicides on lawns can wreak havoc on fireflies. Henriques said there are 'little and easy' things Hoosiers can do to help lightning bugs. He suggests reducing lights at night, planting native species or installing a rain garden. Another option: reducing the chemicals you use on your yard or in your house. 'Fireflies are a privilege,' he said. 'It would be such a waste of a treasure if they were to decline or be gone.'
Indianapolis Star
23-05-2025
- Indianapolis Star
Mike Braun justifies IU board takeover by claiming Purdue is better. Huh?
Research universities are inherently messy. Research is unpredictable. No one knew that Gregor Mendel's research on peas would lead to the green revolution. No one realized research in the field of space quantization would lead to the development of lasers or quantum computing. Penicillin was discovered by accident. Studies on gambling have helped to explain the behavior of stock markets and outbreaks of viral diseases. Cognitive scientists and education researchers have found that experiencing failure is an essential part of learning. No one predicted that research on DNA would lead to advances in genetics and biotechnology. There are risks for any individual or group believing they can pick winners and losers when it comes to research. Opinion: I was running for IU Board of Trustees — until Mike Braun took it over The path of the Indiana General Assembly should concern any of us who have benefitted from a research breakthrough. The legislature is dictating how faculty governance should work at Indiana University, becoming increasingly prescriptive regarding tenure and long-term employment. Is the next step dictating what should be counted as acceptable research? Gov. Mike Braun has suggested that Purdue University does a better job of preparing Hoosiers for careers than IU. Over 80% of all graduates of Indiana University Bloomington live and work in the state, compared to 60% of Purdue graduates. Which university directly benefits Indiana? Braun has suggested that changes in the composition of the board of trustees, with the governor choosing all members, will lead to a smoother governance process. A large body of research indicates that prioritizing a smooth decision-making process risks stifling innovation and creativity, poor risk management, ethical oversight and cultural openness. This threatens long-term resilience and success. Academic governance enhances an institution's overall research output and impact. Trustees should not be involved in the details of all disagreements. However, it is hard to imagine that a board overseeing any complex organization would not disagree sometimes. It should not always be a smooth process. Indiana University's governance should be open and transparent, even when disagreements arise. If the only rationale the governor can point to for changes in how trustees are appointed is an inaccurate statement about which university prepares Hoosiers for jobs in the state of Indiana, then we have a problem. We should be equally concerned that IU President Pamela Whitten has not spoken out about these issues.
