The dynamics of landscape changes surrounding a firefly ecotourism area

Oral history as a citizen science tool to understand biodiversity loss and environmental changes: on firefly extirpation in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico

Background

Nocturnal fireflies are insects easily recognizable by their notable bioluminescence. They are also bioindicators of ecosystem health due to their sensitivity to environmental changes. In this study we employ oral history regarding fireflies and their habitats to compile the collective memory of the inhabitants of Morelia, in central-western Mexico, to analyze changes in biodiversity associated with urbanization.

Methods

The main tools we used were interviews and surveys, in addition to data from scientific literature, entomological collections and citizen science platforms. We explored fireflies as useful elements both to collect oral histories from volunteers (experts or non-experts on the topic) and to serve as a source of biological data (e.g., current and past distribution of fireflies in the city, estimates of biodiversity loss, and threat factors), and even to analyze the potential loss of local ecological knowledge among human generations.

Results

A total of 112 surveys and interviews were conducted with people of three different generations and from different parts of Morelia to collect human demographic data, and spatial, temporal, abundance, and perception data on fireflies. We found local recognition of fireflies by most Morelians, as well as reports of a decrease in both the frequency and abundance of fireflies, and even identified sites of extirpation, i.e., the disappearance of these insects from the environments where people used to see them. Morelians associated these phenomena with increased anthropogenic activities in the city, such as urban growth and a notable increase in pollution and deforestation. Most Morelians believe that the current conditions of the city are unsuitable for the existence of fireflies, and that it is important to conserve these insects because they play an important role in ecosystems and are of high environmental and aesthetic value. In contrast, the younger generation of Morelians showed lower interaction and recognition of these insects in nature, which could be related to the loss of collective memory over generations and the shifting baseline syndrome.

Conclusions

In contexts where historical scientific data are not available, we suggest that fireflies can be used to assess the history of natural environments and changes in the populations of these insects. Moreover, fireflies can be beneficial in terms of engaging people in conservation strategies, citizen science, and science communication.

Comparative larval morphology of four Pteroptyx (Coleoptera, Lampyridae, Luciolinae) species in Thailand

Background

Fireflies in the genus Pteroptyx are renowned for their significance in firefly tourism initiatives. Their occurrence and abundance have been extensively studied to facilitate sustainable utilization and conservation of their populations. As a group of highly charismatic insects, Pteroptyx fireflies play an important role in raising awareness and advocating for the conservation of mangrove forests. Previous taxonomic studies on these fireflies have primarily focused on adult while the larvae remain limited. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the larval morphology of four Pteroptyx species found in Thailand.

Methods

The characteristics of the larvae were examined under a microscope, and the species were identified by rearing the larvae to adult and comparing the adult males with previously identified male specimens. Additionally, morphometric analysis of the protergites was conducted to support identification efforts.

Results

Larval descriptions and an identification key for four Pteroptyx species were developed through the comparison of larval morphology, focusing on tergite texture, protergum shape, color patterns, mouthparts, and the holdfast organ (pygopod). Among the species, P. valida is uniquely characterized by lacking tubercles on the thoracic tergites and has a holdfast organ composed of more than 10 retractable filaments, clearly distinguishing it from the other three Pteroptyx species. Most species have a protergum length much longer than its width, except P. tener. An overview description of Pteroptyx larvae is provided with supplementary files summarizing the key characteristics of these four Pteroptyx larvae.

Discussion

Species-specific traits are evident among the four species, likely reflecting their specific biological and ecological requirements. Pteroptyx valida Olivier, 1909 displays distinct morphological characteristics, including features of the holdfast organ.