Researchers say firefly populations are dying out due to human development, pesticides

[Judi Lynn]

BY MORGAN GSTALTER - 08/01/19 02:03 PM EDT

Researchers are warning that firefly populations are dying out and that human causes are to blame.

While catching lightning bugs is a favorite summer pastime for children, The Asbury Park Press in New Jersey reported Thursday that large-scale construction and development projects have decreased their marsh and wetland habitats, with further threats posed by the use of pesticides and weed killers.

While there is not yet quantitative data to determine population loss, entomologist Christopher Heckscher with Delaware State University told the newspaper that certain firefly species common several decades ago are now nowhere to be found.

"I want my kids to be able to catch fireflies with their kids. Losing these things is not something that's just going to affect us today but for the rest of time. I mean they're going to be gone forever," Hecksher said.

More:
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/455779-researchers-say-firefly-populations-are-dying-out-due-to-human

[hlthe2b]

1. I have wondered for some time what happened to them. This breaks my heart...

but not half as much as when we kill off even more bees!

[Botany]

2. Worldwide insect populations are crashing

this is not good