Why Fireflies Are Disappearing From Our Summer Nights

Beginner | August 7, 2025

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Understanding the Firefly Population Decline

A Global Concern

Do you love watching fireflies on warm summer nights? These tiny insects light up the darkness with their special glow. Many people think fireflies are everywhere, especially after seeing many in places like the U.S. Northeast this spring. Wet weather there helped them. However, experts say we must be careful. Entomologist Matt Schlesinger from the New York Natural Heritage Program clearly states, “It would be a mistake to say firefly populations are high this year, therefore there’s no decline.” He means that even if you see many in one spot, the firefly population decline is still happening around the world.

Main Reasons for Disappearance

Several big problems make fireflies vanish. First, habitat loss is the biggest issue. Cities and farms are growing, and forests are shrinking. This takes away the wet places where fireflies live and grow, like marshes and damp woodlands. Second, pesticides harm fireflies. Farmers and homeowners use these chemicals to kill bugs, but they also kill fireflies and the snails or slugs they eat. These chemicals can also pollute water. Third, light pollution confuses fireflies. Bright lights from streets and homes make it hard for fireflies to see each other’s signals for finding a mate. One study in 2020 showed that too much light can reduce firefly numbers by up to 70%. Fourth, climate change also affects them. Changing temperatures and rain patterns disrupt their lives and destroy their homes.

What This Means and How We Can Help

Impact on Species

There are over 2,000 different kinds of fireflies worldwide. Many of them are now in danger due to the global firefly population decline. Recent studies show that in North America, one out of three firefly species might disappear forever. About 14% of them are already on the threatened list. For example, the Bethany Beach firefly will soon be an officially threatened species in the U.S. This is a serious situation.

Steps You Can Take

Good news! We can help fireflies. Many people are now working to protect them. You can join community science projects to count fireflies. This helps scientists understand them better. Also, try to reduce light pollution at night around your home. Turn off outdoor lights when you do not need them. Finally, we need to protect and restore firefly homes. We can save wetlands and damp areas. By taking these steps, we can help these amazing glowing insects shine for many more summers.

Vocabulary

decline (noun): A slow decrease in number, quality, or strength.
- Example: “The firefly population shows a global decline.”
thriving (adjective): Growing, developing, or being successful; doing very well.
- Example: “Some areas have seemingly thriving firefly populations.”
emphasize (verb): To give special importance or attention to something in speaking or writing.
- Example: “Experts emphasize the overall worrying trend.”
entomologist (noun): A scientist who studies insects.
- Example: “Matt Schlesinger is an entomologist who studies fireflies.”
primary (adjective): Most important; main.
- Example: “Habitat loss is the primary cause of firefly decline.”
degradation (noun): The process of spoiling or destroying something.
- Example: “Habitat degradation greatly affects firefly survival.”
vital (adjective): Absolutely necessary or important; essential.
- Example: “Clean water sources are vital to firefly ecosystems.”
interfere (verb): To prevent something from happening correctly; to get in the way.
- Example: “Light pollution interferes with fireflies’ mating signals.”
abundance (noun): A very large quantity of something.
- Example: “Light pollution can reduce firefly abundance by up to 70%.”
conservation (noun): The protection of animals, plants, and natural resources.
- Example: “Conservation efforts are helping to save fireflies.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What is the main problem fireflies are facing around the world?
Why do experts say that seeing many fireflies in one area does not mean they are safe?
Name two main reasons why fireflies are disappearing and explain how they affect the insects.
How does light pollution specifically hurt fireflies?
What can people do to help protect fireflies and their homes?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Have you ever seen fireflies? Where and when did you see them?
Why do you think fireflies are important to our environment?
Besides fireflies, what other animals or insects do you think are in danger today?
How do human activities, like building cities, change nature around us?
What small changes can you make in your daily life to help local wildlife?

Related Idiom

Flicker out

Meaning: To slowly stop burning or shining; to gradually disappear or come to an end.
Example: “If we don’t act quickly, these beautiful insects might flicker out completely.”

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This article was inspired by: AP News, August 1, 2025