Celebrate the World Firefly Day: 4 - 31 July 2020
This year's theme is Hope Rising giving hope to humanity and fireflies during the Covid crisis. We will celebrate a virtual WffD 2020 with fun activities. Also, we have a joint activity with Kasetsart University Thailand. For participation in the fun activities, please refer to the activities listed below. The MNS President will give a launch speech on the 4th July 2020, please stay tune at MNS's facebook or YouTube channel!
Programme
4 - 12 July: Daily Firefly FAQs |
Contests with prizes 4 - 31 July
A series of hope and fun activities and contests for all ages and for your participation! Here is the link for you to check out our very 1st World Firefly Day 2020 online contests! |
4 July 2020 Launch speech by MNS President:
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Wonder what to fold in our MNS Firefly Origami contest? Here is a tips for you! Check out the tutorial below from the Malaysia Origami Academy and learn the basic way to make a paper firefly alive! Now, is your turn to show us your creativity!
There is so much to learn about fireflies when I go through the Trivia questions! No worries! Let’s watch a video compiled by Dr Wan Faridah, AJ Pear and Ms Teh which could provide you with important clues in answering the Trivia questions.
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Daily Firefly FAQs (4-12 July 2020):
4 July 2020 What is a firefly?
- Fireflies are beetles or from the order Coleoptera (means ‘sheath-wings) and classified further to the family Lampyridae.
- There are many beetles or other insects that mimics or look like fireflies from their colouring and markings. How do you tell them apart? Flip them over and see whether they have a light organ, usually fireflies have a pale colour segment near the end of the abdomen. So fireflies are bioluminescence beetles.
- There are over 2,000 species found in all continents, except the Antarctic, north of the Arctic Circle, New Zealand, most Pacific and Mid Atlantic Islands. The fireflies have been around since 150 million years ago during the dinosaurs (Jurassic), from evidence fossilized in amber.
You may ask why do they light up? Find out on the 6th of July 2020.
But first, let’s follow Adam in the video below as he found experts to explain more about fireflies to us!
- Fireflies are beetles or from the order Coleoptera (means ‘sheath-wings) and classified further to the family Lampyridae.
- There are many beetles or other insects that mimics or look like fireflies from their colouring and markings. How do you tell them apart? Flip them over and see whether they have a light organ, usually fireflies have a pale colour segment near the end of the abdomen. So fireflies are bioluminescence beetles.
- There are over 2,000 species found in all continents, except the Antarctic, north of the Arctic Circle, New Zealand, most Pacific and Mid Atlantic Islands. The fireflies have been around since 150 million years ago during the dinosaurs (Jurassic), from evidence fossilized in amber.
You may ask why do they light up? Find out on the 6th of July 2020.
But first, let’s follow Adam in the video below as he found experts to explain more about fireflies to us!
5 July 2020 Firefly Habitat and Diversity
Adam has guided us amazingly yesterday on the introduction about fireflies in Malaysia. Today we will learn more about fireflies and what are the habitat requirements needed for them to survive.
Adam has guided us amazingly yesterday on the introduction about fireflies in Malaysia. Today we will learn more about fireflies and what are the habitat requirements needed for them to survive.
6 July 2020 Firefly life history
Insects are never disappointing when comes to their life histories, which make such taxa so fascinating to learn about! There are a lot of diversity in the fireflies’ life history, in terms of life cycle, behaviour, habitat, amongst others. Fireflies’ life cycle are in four stages just like a butterfly, so they look different in each stages of development. So from the eggs, they hatched out to become larva, which may be in 4-6 instars (as they grow they shed their skin), then they became a pupa before metamophorsised (transformed) into an adult firefly. As mentioned earlier some adult females will remain in larviform (looks like a larva). |
The whole life cycle can take from 4 months to 2 years long depending on species, longest for countries with 4 seasons. Each stage development varies in different species, eggs will take days to develop into a larva. Firefly larva will have different instars number and will take 3 months to more than a year to develop. Pupa will take days or weeks to become an adult firefly, Adults life span is short (days to weeks) and they only have time to mate only.
Generally, there are three types of fireflies based on the larva stage: the most diverse are the terrestrial fireflies. The larvae rests, hunts, scavenge, grows on dry land. You can see these tiny lights at night on the ground, sometimes, on tree roots and stems. The aquatic fireflies are less common, less than 20 species in the world found in Korea, Taiwan, China, Japan, Thailand and possible in Peninsular Malaysia. Keep a look out for the firefly larva glowing at night in the rocky forest streams. These firefly larva have gills along the body. The third group are the semi-aquatic fireflies, where the firefly larva can dive into a stream and catch aquatic snails.
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Only during the larva stage, the firefly will feed on invertebrates like snails, millipede, earthworms, etc. Some are specialist like the Stenocladus preys on earthworms, some are scavengers and some are generalist (combination). Most favourite food and easy to catch are the snails. That is why humid habitats, damp or wet areas, with ground cover are where you find most fireflies.
7 July 2020 Light communication
Humans find firefly light signals as magical! But did you know that, to them - it’s the survival of their species! Fireflies communicate with each other using unique light signals, between green-yellow light spectrum. The main function of light communication for adult fireflies between the same species is for mating purposes or finding flightless females on the ground, apart from giving out warning signals. Male fireflies fly solo or in small groups to attract the females, and after mating or laying eggs, sadly, most of the fireflies will die. Very few, could carry on. |
Time lapsed photo of fireflies © Hua Te Fang
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Generally, the light signals vary from fast pulse, rhythmic flashes, slow flashes, and glows. Some species will flash synchronously and some do not.
A) Synchronous fireflies: There are not many synchronous fireflies in the world which makes them ‘rare’. Our beloved nation, Malaysia, is home to the most famous synchronous mangrove fireflies, called the ‘Pteroptyx tener’. Meanwhile, our friendly neighbour of Thailand, hosts the ‘P. malaccae’ mangrove species, and the ‘Medeopteryx effulgens’ could be found in New Britain Island. Other synchronous fireflies that synchronize their light signals while they are flying like the ‘Photinus carolinus’, could be found in America and the ‘Luicola cruciata’ lives in Japan and another Photinus species in Mexico. B) Non-synchronous fireflies: On the other hand, are the other fireflies, and the non-synchronous mangrove fireflies which could be found in the Southeast Asian countries to as far as East India and Hong Kong. With the exception of glowing fireflies where the male and larviform female fireflies will glow most of the time. How do fireflies light up? There are two chemicals in the light organs of the fireflies called: a) luciferase, and b) luciferin. With oxygen exposure and ATP (energy), these chemical reactions will emit light! |
Synchronus fireflies at Sungai Selangor © FRIM
Light trails from the Pyrocoelia firefly in the Kuala Selangor Nature Park © Liew WK
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8 July 2020 GLobal threats towards fireflies
In a recent study in 2019, the IUCN Firefly Specialist Group found that there are 3 main reasons (global threats) that are causing the fireflies going extinct:
i/ Massive destruction of habitats
ii/ Light pollution
iii/ Heavy usage of pesticides
In general, all sorts of plants and wildlife around the world are facing the same primary global threat - the DESTRUCTIONS OF FIREFLY HABITATS. So when there are land development projects for urbanisation, infrastructure (such as new highway, ports, dams), plantations, aquacultures, mining, or even for flood mitigation along rivers; and including private landowners, sell and developed their land, this will degrade or destroy many firefly habitats including their prey (food source). Many fireflies are site specific due to their low dispersal rate especially those with flightless females.
In a recent study in 2019, the IUCN Firefly Specialist Group found that there are 3 main reasons (global threats) that are causing the fireflies going extinct:
i/ Massive destruction of habitats
ii/ Light pollution
iii/ Heavy usage of pesticides
In general, all sorts of plants and wildlife around the world are facing the same primary global threat - the DESTRUCTIONS OF FIREFLY HABITATS. So when there are land development projects for urbanisation, infrastructure (such as new highway, ports, dams), plantations, aquacultures, mining, or even for flood mitigation along rivers; and including private landowners, sell and developed their land, this will degrade or destroy many firefly habitats including their prey (food source). Many fireflies are site specific due to their low dispersal rate especially those with flightless females.
Second global threat is LIGHT POLLUTION. Since fireflies communicate through light, shining a strong light at them will cut-off their communication processes. They may have to use much energy to send their message through to their partner. It's like you trying hard to propose to your partner in a construction site! (good luck). So - the fireflies will leave and move to somewhere darker. But even after moving, if there is still a flood of light, the fireflies will waste a lot of energy and may run out of energy after a few days. It will die without being able to mate. As such, the firefly population decreases even more.
Most fireflies tend to be found in forest edges and grass verges. So when we APPLY PESTICIDES to parks, plantations, fields, and gardens, it kills the firefly larvae and other invertebrates which are their food. This is the third common cause of fireflies extinction.
OTHER THREATS include diseases and climate change (drought, sea level rise, saltwater intrusion, wildfire), clearing of riverine mangroves (aquaculture, flood mitigation), mass firefly collection in the wild and release for event gimmicks and irresponsible tourism practices such as disturbing the fireflies with camera flashes and torch lights, etc.
Most fireflies tend to be found in forest edges and grass verges. So when we APPLY PESTICIDES to parks, plantations, fields, and gardens, it kills the firefly larvae and other invertebrates which are their food. This is the third common cause of fireflies extinction.
OTHER THREATS include diseases and climate change (drought, sea level rise, saltwater intrusion, wildfire), clearing of riverine mangroves (aquaculture, flood mitigation), mass firefly collection in the wild and release for event gimmicks and irresponsible tourism practices such as disturbing the fireflies with camera flashes and torch lights, etc.
8 July 2020 Possible solutions to the global threats?
Can we do our parts to save them? i/ State structural and local plans to take into account in this case, important firefly habitats. Any developments should take into account of the impact to these firefly sites. These important firefly habitats should then be conserve and become firefly education centers. And local communities living in and around these firefly sites can make a livelihood from firefly watching tourism. ii/ Due to human safety and security, some street lamps, spotlights and home outside lights are needed, but this may have an impact to the important firefly sites. The light pollution can be reduced by redirecting or shielding the light from the fireflies, reducing the number of street lights, or switching to firefly friendly light installation at infrastructures like bridges, buildings, along highways and roads, in the town parks, suburban areas, may help. iii/ reduced the use of pesticides that may be harmful to other wildlife and to human health, and look for other solutions which are more nature friendly. Fireflies are themselves are natural, biological pest control agents. The firefly larva eat snails and other pest, so no need for pesticides in your vegetable gardens. You take care of them, they will take care of you in return We will come back to this with more interesting ways to save the fireflies on the 12th July 2020 later. Stay tuned! |
Pyrocoelia firefly larva eating a garden snail. © Sonny Wong/MNS.
Firefly friendly street lights installation in Daan Firefly Park, Taipei. © Sonny Wong/MNS.
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9 July 2020 The power of fireflies
“Insects are tiny, but NEVER underestimate its capabilities in keeping the world in ship- shape.” We have most probably witnessed the power and important role of the Ant-Man and The Wasp played in the Avengers Team in comics and movie! As with other wildlife, there are benefits of saving fireflies!
1. Fireflies are PART OF THE NATURAL ECOSYSTEM THAT KEEPS THE WORLD HEALTHY, as the predacious firefly larvae provide services of maintaining a healthy population of invertebrate (animals without backbone). Some firefly larva will also act as cleaners and will scavenge dead invertebrates. Dead fireflies will decay and release nutrients back to the soil.
2. The existence of fireflies in an area is a GENERAL BIOLOGICAL INDICATOR THAT THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT IS HEALTHY, functioning ecosystem, pesticide-free and less polluted.
Fireflies are beneficial to mankind.
3. Since the firefly larva is a predator, THE LARVA CAN HELP CONTROL PEST LIKE THE SNAIL especially in padi fields without using much of harmful pesticides. For example in Japan, the aquatic firefly larva helps control the snails in smaller farms. You will have healthier rice, with no pesticide. Fireflies are a tiny saviour!
4. Fireflies light-producing chemicals (now synthesise) are used for MEDICAL RESEARCH, for example the antibiotic lights up where there are presence of bacteria. This can be applied to space exploration for alien lifeforms and a potential for bio-light applications.
5. One of the important socio-economic benefits especially in the mangroves of South East Asian countries is FIREFLY WATCHING TOURISM. This can provide the local communities who operate the tour and the State a substantial income. Thus income through firefly watching tourism may help justify the conservation of firefly habitats and firefly watching centers can educate the public. A good example is the Kampung Kuantan Firefly Sanctuary, Selangor, with local communities rowing the boats for tourists and earning a living.
6. Fireflies have contributed in SHAPING the ever evolving HUMAN ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE. Since ancient times, these magical insects have fascinated our ancestors and also create fear among them due to their magical and mystical (special power) values. Most cultures will have stories, either good or bad, about the fireflies. The Japanese treasure their fireflies very much, they have been subject and character of many arts, stories, songs, paintings, it signifies summer in haiku, movies and anime will always have fireflies in the background.
7. Last but not least, MNS conducted a Firefly Brand Name survey to find out why people choose firefly as their brand name, and found that fireflies as their ‘childhood insect’, as a positive, lightning speed, brightness and purity symbolism and so on. Fireflies are now made as MODERN DAY BRAND AMBASSADORS, appearing as logos of corporate and commercial brands, such as batteries products, e-commerce, communication, safety (fire flighting), haulage, aviation services and even beverages, amongst others. Guess which Malaysian company have firefly brand name?
“Insects are tiny, but NEVER underestimate its capabilities in keeping the world in ship- shape.” We have most probably witnessed the power and important role of the Ant-Man and The Wasp played in the Avengers Team in comics and movie! As with other wildlife, there are benefits of saving fireflies!
1. Fireflies are PART OF THE NATURAL ECOSYSTEM THAT KEEPS THE WORLD HEALTHY, as the predacious firefly larvae provide services of maintaining a healthy population of invertebrate (animals without backbone). Some firefly larva will also act as cleaners and will scavenge dead invertebrates. Dead fireflies will decay and release nutrients back to the soil.
2. The existence of fireflies in an area is a GENERAL BIOLOGICAL INDICATOR THAT THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT IS HEALTHY, functioning ecosystem, pesticide-free and less polluted.
Fireflies are beneficial to mankind.
3. Since the firefly larva is a predator, THE LARVA CAN HELP CONTROL PEST LIKE THE SNAIL especially in padi fields without using much of harmful pesticides. For example in Japan, the aquatic firefly larva helps control the snails in smaller farms. You will have healthier rice, with no pesticide. Fireflies are a tiny saviour!
4. Fireflies light-producing chemicals (now synthesise) are used for MEDICAL RESEARCH, for example the antibiotic lights up where there are presence of bacteria. This can be applied to space exploration for alien lifeforms and a potential for bio-light applications.
5. One of the important socio-economic benefits especially in the mangroves of South East Asian countries is FIREFLY WATCHING TOURISM. This can provide the local communities who operate the tour and the State a substantial income. Thus income through firefly watching tourism may help justify the conservation of firefly habitats and firefly watching centers can educate the public. A good example is the Kampung Kuantan Firefly Sanctuary, Selangor, with local communities rowing the boats for tourists and earning a living.
6. Fireflies have contributed in SHAPING the ever evolving HUMAN ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE. Since ancient times, these magical insects have fascinated our ancestors and also create fear among them due to their magical and mystical (special power) values. Most cultures will have stories, either good or bad, about the fireflies. The Japanese treasure their fireflies very much, they have been subject and character of many arts, stories, songs, paintings, it signifies summer in haiku, movies and anime will always have fireflies in the background.
7. Last but not least, MNS conducted a Firefly Brand Name survey to find out why people choose firefly as their brand name, and found that fireflies as their ‘childhood insect’, as a positive, lightning speed, brightness and purity symbolism and so on. Fireflies are now made as MODERN DAY BRAND AMBASSADORS, appearing as logos of corporate and commercial brands, such as batteries products, e-commerce, communication, safety (fire flighting), haulage, aviation services and even beverages, amongst others. Guess which Malaysian company have firefly brand name?
10 July 2020 Conservation status of fireflies in Malaysia
Around the world, there are very few protection for fireflies unless their habitats are in protected areas. Good news is, there will be assessment for fireflies’ threat status under the IUCN Red List of globally threatened plants, animals and fungi by next year. This will help decision and policy makers to take into account of important firefly habitats. Protecting the iconic fireflies will also protect the other plants and animals within the habitat. Success stories of firefly habitats restoration:- Japan has legal protection for its famous fireflies. Rebuilding back the economy after the War, has led to the destruction of many firefly habitats especially the streams where the aquatic fireflies (Luciola lateralis and L cruciata) lived. These streams have been concretised, straightened and with industrial pollution. Firefly conservation started off by the womenfolk who complained about the polluted waters. For over four decades, restoration work on firefly habitats were experimented until successful. Schools and firefly centers, bred the fireflies and with the elderly help release them to their natural habitat which became a nationwide activity. If you take a walk in some of their urban firefly habitats which look more like drains, these firefly habitats were restored with vegetation and functions. Local wildlife returned. You will see plaques of firefly protected habitat and manholes with firefly designs, and a firefly center nearby. Every summer, thousands of residents will witness these fireflies emerging. It is free of charge. |
Similarly in Taipei, 13 designated firefly parks have been proposed and four are operational. These former firefly habitats have been restored in the city itself. The biggest is the Da’an Firefly Park in the middle of the financial district. In summer ten thousand visitors visited the park and are guided by the city communities, with supports by corporations and local government. To prevent light pollution, a firefly friendly street lamp was customised and donated by a company. All over Taiwan as in Japan, there are firefly watching areas.
In Malaysia, the first firefly protected area with restricted activities is in Sungai Selangor under the State Enactment. The other firefly site is along parts of the Sungai Sepetang under the Forestry Act. More work needs to be done to identify important firefly habitats and mainstream into the State development plans.
In Malaysia, the first firefly protected area with restricted activities is in Sungai Selangor under the State Enactment. The other firefly site is along parts of the Sungai Sepetang under the Forestry Act. More work needs to be done to identify important firefly habitats and mainstream into the State development plans.
11 July 2020 International network
Maybe because fireflies are not pests or pollinators that attracts research grants or aesthetic insect that traders and hobbyists will love to collect, buy and sell.
Possible reason why there are few firefly researchers in the world. Have you seen firefly handbooks selling in your book store or online? Very rare, some from Taiwan, Japan, US to name a few. There are rare coffee table book from photographers, rare articles in popular magazines or news media. Most fireflies are still hidden in scientific papers. In the internet, there are more variety of firefly websites, travel blogs, tour advertisements, YouTubes, Facebook groups, other social medias, citizen science websites like iNaturalist or MOS and of course science journals.
Creation of interest and awareness is needed, as firefly reduction or disappearing fast is real and the small community of firefly researchers, individual who knows this childhood insect, enthusiasts especially firefly guides knew about it qualitatively.
As we pointed out two days ago, about the global threats to the fireflies, it requires more research to support the evidence of the threats and conservation efforts. Much more is needed to communicate and educate the government and public about fireflies. So a spark is needed to save the fireflies, this is where to gather together all the known firefly experts in the world to voice their concerns, to work together, share knowledge and experience and support those countries with no firefly experts. For firefly conservation to happen, Fireflyers International Network was formed.
Maybe because fireflies are not pests or pollinators that attracts research grants or aesthetic insect that traders and hobbyists will love to collect, buy and sell.
Possible reason why there are few firefly researchers in the world. Have you seen firefly handbooks selling in your book store or online? Very rare, some from Taiwan, Japan, US to name a few. There are rare coffee table book from photographers, rare articles in popular magazines or news media. Most fireflies are still hidden in scientific papers. In the internet, there are more variety of firefly websites, travel blogs, tour advertisements, YouTubes, Facebook groups, other social medias, citizen science websites like iNaturalist or MOS and of course science journals.
Creation of interest and awareness is needed, as firefly reduction or disappearing fast is real and the small community of firefly researchers, individual who knows this childhood insect, enthusiasts especially firefly guides knew about it qualitatively.
As we pointed out two days ago, about the global threats to the fireflies, it requires more research to support the evidence of the threats and conservation efforts. Much more is needed to communicate and educate the government and public about fireflies. So a spark is needed to save the fireflies, this is where to gather together all the known firefly experts in the world to voice their concerns, to work together, share knowledge and experience and support those countries with no firefly experts. For firefly conservation to happen, Fireflyers International Network was formed.
12 July 2020 How Can you help in protecting the fireflies?
We are at the end of our fireflies campaign and different educative topics have been discussed! We hope you all have been following us closely on all the fireflies facts! Now is the last topic that we are going to talk about on how can the public contribute to our MNS fireflies conservation works. Check out all the fabulous suggestions and guidance here!
We are at the end of our fireflies campaign and different educative topics have been discussed! We hope you all have been following us closely on all the fireflies facts! Now is the last topic that we are going to talk about on how can the public contribute to our MNS fireflies conservation works. Check out all the fabulous suggestions and guidance here!
13 July 2020 How Can you help in protecting the fireflies?
For the second half of our MNS World Firefly Day Online Celebration, we will be introducing our "Fireflies Communities" and their great work! Of course, the first to kick-start this is the MNS Secretariat Team! Warm greetings from all the staff members and we are on the verge of "Hope Rising!"
For the second half of our MNS World Firefly Day Online Celebration, we will be introducing our "Fireflies Communities" and their great work! Of course, the first to kick-start this is the MNS Secretariat Team! Warm greetings from all the staff members and we are on the verge of "Hope Rising!"
Global Celebration
Fireflyers International Network (FIN)
https://fireflyersinternational.net/ is celebrating World Firefly Day 2020 with the theme of "Hope Rises" ! Stay tuned to more of their fascinating firefly videos in their youtube channel here:
Fireflyers International Network (FIN)
https://fireflyersinternational.net/ is celebrating World Firefly Day 2020 with the theme of "Hope Rises" ! Stay tuned to more of their fascinating firefly videos in their youtube channel here:
World Firefly Day 2020 is sponsored by the Malaysian Nature Society. Please conseider a donation to support MNS work to raise awareness of fireflies, protecting fireflies' habitats, and to advocate for firefly conservation.