When you hear the word firefly, what comes to mind? Do you recall childhood nights spent chasing them? Or perhaps you think of their glowing bodies lighting up the darkness? Fireflies seem like magical creatures straight out of bedtime stories, yet they truly exist in the real world.

Fireflies belong to the beetle family Lampyridae, under the order Coleoptera and class Insecta. There are over 2,000 species of fireflies found in temperate and tropical regions across the globe. Many of these species thrive in wetlands or damp forests, where an abundant food supply is available for their larvae.

Fireflies illuminate the night with their bioluminescent glow. However, witnessing this mesmerizing sight may become increasingly rare in the future. Researchers have warned that fireflies are now at risk.

According to scientists, fireflies are losing their natural habitats. Additionally, pesticide use and artificial lighting are pushing these insects—numbering around 2,000 species—toward extinction.

Sara Lewis, a biology professor at Tufts University, explains that habitat loss is a major factor behind the decline of wildlife populations. Some firefly species struggle to survive because they require specific environmental conditions to complete their life cycle.

For instance, Malaysia’s synchronous fireflies, known for their rhythmic flashes, depend on mangrove trees for reproduction. Unfortunately, across Malaysia, mangrove forests have been converted into palm oil plantations and aquaculture farms, threatening the survival of this species.

Interestingly, in Javanese folklore, fireflies are often linked to myths, believed to be the fingernails of the deceased or the spirits of ancestors. This belief likely stems from their tendency to appear in cemeteries, as fireflies prefer dark and humid environments.  Fireflies are a fascinating insect species and a testament to the wonders of creation. As a tropical country rich in biodiversity, Indonesia is home to these unique creatures. Protecting and preserving fireflies is essential, as they are living beings that deserve our care and conservation.

Sumber teks: Internet

Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/PR6RwL2BL8pe6UiK7

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