Iowa natives likely have a memory of seeing rural Iowa lit up by fireflies during the summer months; however, this tradition could be changing.
There are more than 2,500 species of fireflies across every continent except Antarctica, according to National Geographic.
No matter what you call them, fireflies and lightning bugs are the same thing, Iowa State University Extension entomologist Donald Lewis wrote in 2007. The names are used interchangeably to describe insects from the Lampyridae family.
Are fireflies going extinct?
Firefly populations are dwindling, with some species facing faster population decline than others, according to National Geographic. Common threats to firefly populations include light pollution, habitat loss, pesticide overuse and drought.
“I would say fireflies are threatened due to habitat loss, but they are not going extinct, some are adapting in different regions,” said Virginia Tech entomologist Eric Day in an interview with the school’s news service in 2024.
How do fireflies glow?
The light from fireflies comes from a chemical reaction known as bioluminescence. When oxygen meets with a chemical known as luciferin and luciferase, it generates light. The flash creates a “cold” light that produces light with little heat, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
When do fireflies come out?
In the United States, late spring to early summer is considered firefly season, according to National Geographic.
Fireflies thrive in moist, humid environments. In years when warm, summer weather comes earlier, so do fireflies, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. They are often found in wet areas, according to National Geographic.
While drought has crept back into most of Iowa, rising temperatures and upcoming rainfall could create ideal conditions for firefly populations.
What do fireflies eat?
Fireflies are beneficial to gardens. They feast on slugs and snails, which can harm plants such as beans, lettuce and tomatoes, according to Better Homes and Gardens. Fireflies also don’t carry diseases like other backyard insects.
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Are fireflies going extinct? What to know about seeing the glowing insects in Iowa.
Reporting by Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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