The fading glow of the fireflies

Like tiny floating stars, fireflies have traditionally lit up the night. Many Southeast Asian cultures and traditions once revolved around these tiny magical creatures that are increasingly harder to find.

Fireflies are luminous beetles predominantly found in humid environments. According to Trish Camrin, who teaches biology at a public secondary school, fireflies occupy diverse habitats around the world.

“These insects exist in tropical and temperate regions, with over 2,000 species scattered across all continents except Antarctica,” she told Thai PBS World.

“Fireflies generally prefer to live near small and tranquil bodies of water, such as ponds, lakes, and wetlands. They are often found in open fields or at the edge of forests. They also thrive in large numbers along rivers and mangrove swamps,” Trish explained.

Gentle creatures

Unlike other known insects that are often considered pests, fireflies are harmless to humans. “They do not bite, sting, or carry diseases. Most species of fireflies are non-toxic. There are, however, some firefly species that can be poisonous,” warned Trish.

“But most fireflies are generally considered safe around people and pets,” she added.

Unlike many backyard insects, fireflies do not pose health risks, making them friendly additions to any garden environment.

“These insects offer significant benefits to gardens. They feed on slugs and snails that are notorious for damaging crops like beans, lettuce, and tomatoes,” noted Albert, a horticulturist. “The larval stage of fireflies is particularly beneficial, as firefly larvae are effective predators of these soft-bodied pests. Having fireflies in your garden will enhance garden health without harming the plants,” he stressed.

Light display

In Southeast Asia, synchronous fireflies are noted for their stunning visual displays. “These fireflies are known as congregating fireflies,” Trish explained. These bright and luminous insects gather together in large numbers along rivers and mangrove swamps mostly during the mating season, where they put on an amazing display of lights.”

In rural areas of Malaysia and Thailand, the forests of Indonesia and the Philippines, and rice paddies in Vietnam, fireflies were once a common sight during warm and humid evenings.

“I remember playing outside with my friends on dark evenings and being fascinated by the radiance of the fireflies. It’s a happy memory of my childhood that I don’t think my children can enjoy these days,” laments one parent who grew up in the rural Philippines.

“Chasing fireflies under the stars was one of the happiest memories of my childhood,” another parent added.

“Watching them glowing in the dark was one of my favorite activities with family members and friends,” said another.

Fading glow

Over the past few decades, a rapid decline in firefly populations has been reported.

According to studies and research cited by the National Geographic and the Fireflyers International Network, the biggest threats to fireflies are artificial lighting and disappearing natural habitats.

“Urban expansion and modernization, with lightbulbs and LED lighting interfering with the fireflies’ mating signals, are putting these gentle and shining creatures at risk. Without the dark, they cannot find each other. They rely on the darkness to shine,” Trish explained.

Pesticides, especially in agricultural areas, also disrupt the lifecycle of the fireflies. “The constant use of pesticides in rural farming kills both firefly larvae and adults. In places where lush forests have turned into concrete fields, fireflies lose their breeding grounds, feeding zones, and survival chances.”

Glimmer of hope

According to Tristan, a biological researcher, “We might lose the glowing sight of the fireflies very soon if we do not do something right now. Protecting these insects means protecting their natural habitat and the ecological rhythm on which they rely for existence.”

But is it too late to save them?

“There are now ongoing conservation efforts in some countries in Southeast Asia aimed at protecting firefly habitats and limiting artificial lights near mangroves and rivers,” he said.

“In Thailand, for instance, firefly education centers have been established and local volunteers are surveying firefly populations along mangrove forests. In some areas, local government units dedicate protected areas for fireflies to thrive, while allowing people to see the insects’ spectacular show at night.

Fences are installed and raised walkways are built in order to prevent people from traipsing through the firefly habitats. During the mating season, street lights are even turned off,” he added

Malaysia, on the other hand, tries to maintain a well-managed firefly tourism environment. “Local communities are empowered by developing and sharing best practices for sustainable firefly tourism, through a network of firefly tour operators, nature guides, and conservationists,” a volunteer said.

Similar firefly education and conservation efforts are in full swing in Singapore, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

“Fireflies are not just about beautiful memories and pretty sights. They are also a part of our ecosystem. Protecting them says a lot about how we live as humans. Their decrease in number is a reflection of our current relationship with nature,” concluded Tristan.

(This story is part of a series about the vanishing cultural traditions in Southeast Asia.)