Hear the word firefly or lightning bug, and what comes to mind? Warm summer nights? Flickering lights in the encroaching dark? Maybe soft grass underfoot, with children running about? Few species ignite such warm feelings of nostalgia as fireflies.
Fireflies are cherished, but they are also declining. Anecdotal reports from around the globe describe fewer individuals being seen each year. Somewhat surprisingly, fireflies receive relatively little conservation attention.
Xerces and our partners are working to change this. We plan to do this by advancing our understanding of firefly distributions, life histories, and extinction risks; identifying and addressing threats to their populations; recovering populations that have declined; and engaging people from all walks of life in saving and protecting these incredible insects.