{"id":135653,"date":"2023-07-15T17:02:03","date_gmt":"2023-07-16T00:02:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/?p=135653"},"modified":"2023-07-15T17:02:03","modified_gmt":"2023-07-16T00:02:03","slug":"new-research-shines-a-light-on-sri-lanka-fireflies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/2023\/07\/15\/new-research-shines-a-light-on-sri-lanka-fireflies\/","title":{"rendered":"New research shines a light on Sri Lanka fireflies"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><em>Courtesy Mongabay<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em><br>Until recently, there had been a significant absence in research on Sri Lanka\u2019s fireflies; previous work was by British scientists a couple hundred years ago, but now a new surge in research has led to new findings in the pipeline for publication.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Recent research has led to the rediscovery of Luciola nicolleri, a firefly not seen since its description 100 years ago, and Curtos costipennis, a new discovery in Sri Lanka.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Glowworms are the larval stage of fireflies, and folklore has it that once stung by them, treatment would require mud from the depths of the ocean and stars from the sky, indicating a difficult cure \u2014 shot down by experts as myth, confirming fireflies do not harm human life.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>A beautiful and common sight just a decade ago, fireflies are fast disappearing from urban landscapes due to loss of habitat, increasing temperatures and pollution levels, affecting their reproduction signals in the form of bioluminescent lights.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>COLOMBO \u2014 Fireflies, with their bioluminescent rears, are fascinating species that appeal to people\u2019s imaginations, especially those of children. In Sri Lanka, the first systematic study of fireflies was carried out by British naturalists in the 18<sup>th<\/sup>&nbsp;century, but afterward, there was a loss of interest in studying these fascinating creatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shedding new light on Sri Lanka\u2019s firefly fauna, researchers and at least one enthusiastic amateur continue to study them today, resulting in several discoveries. Sri Lanka is home to 16 firefly species, while\u00a0<em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/treatment.plazi.org\/id\/E1AB208C53715379BE6EB86FAFAEA309\" target=\"_blank\">Abscondita perplexa<\/a><\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Asymmetricata_humeralis\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Asymmetricata humeralis<\/em><\/a>\u00a0are more common and show a countrywide distribution. In 2022,\u00a0<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/d.docs.live.net\/b5a0f4a799195a73\/Desktop\/1%20Fireflies\/8060-28715-1-PB.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">research<\/a>\u00a0on\u00a0<em>A. humeralis<\/em>\u00a0conducted by\u00a0<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Dammika-Wijekoon\" target=\"_blank\">Dammika Wijekoon<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sci.ruh.ac.lk\/zoology\/academic_staff_profile.php?id=835\" target=\"_blank\">Hemantha Wegiriya<\/a>\u00a0of the University of Ruhuna showed that male\u00a0<em>A. humeralis<\/em>\u00a0can look different in color and pattern, highlighting that there can be more secrets in the world of fireflies to be investigated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wijekoon and Wegiriya initiated their study on fireflies in 2009 and have already made several significant discoveries. In 2010, the researchers recorded&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cjs.sljol.info\/articles\/abstract\/10.4038\/cjs.v51i4.8060\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Curtos costipennis<\/em><\/a>&nbsp;for the first time in Sri Lanka, making it the first firefly member of the genus&nbsp;<em>Curtos<\/em>&nbsp;found in Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their study in 2022 re-recorded&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/361753154_Re-record_of_Luciola_nicolleri_Coleoptera_Lampyridae_Luciolinae_from_Sri_Lanka\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Luciola nicolleri<\/em><\/a>&nbsp;after a lapse of 100 years. The species was first described in 1922.&nbsp;<em>L. nicolleri<\/em>&nbsp;has not been recorded since its discovery, a highly significant finding as it was considered possibly extinct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/repository.rjt.ac.lk\/bitstream\/handle\/123456789\/3600\/Distribution,%20Diversity%20and%20Relative%20Abundance%20of%20Fireflies%20(Coleoptera;%20Lampyridae)%20in%20Three%20Habitat%20Types%20in%20Sri%20Lanka.pdf?sequence=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">studies<\/a>&nbsp;further showed that fireflies prefer terrestrial grassland habitats and Uva province, where 11 species out of the 16 are found, has a role to play in their conservation. Both Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces, too, have a rich firefly diversity, according to this study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fireflies are soft-bodied, light-emitting insects classified under the family Lampyridae. There are about 2,000 firefly species in the world and most of them can emit light through a chemical process using an enzyme produced in their body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each species has different intensities and patterns of light, and this phenomenon usually happens in twilight as a mechanism that is used by female fireflies to attract a partner, said Wijekoon, one of the co-authors of the study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The enzyme involved in light production is called luciferases and when this reacts to oxygen, it begins to flash. Scientists also believe that fireflies can control the frequency and intensity of flashing by controlling the oxygen levels to the light-producing organs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sri Lankans know another species that emits light, but they are not flying and have a worm-like appearance: glowworms. People often consider glowworms to be distinct, not knowing that it is the larval stage of the firefly, Wijekoon told Mongabay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Glowworms mainly feed on small snails and slugs, first injecting venom to immobilize the prey. This habit has given the creature a scary reputation, where folklore has it that if stung by a glowworm, treatment would require mud from the oceans and stars from the sky, indicating the difficulties in treatment. Glowworms also have a neurotoxin venom similar to that of some snakes, but their mouths are very small, and the venom released is negligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\" id=\"attachment_270974\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/imgs.mongabay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/07\/15121056\/Firefly-larvae-feeding.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-270974\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A glowworm feeds on a snail. Image courtesy of Dhammika Wijekoon.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/web.facebook.com\/shashiprabath11\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shashi Prabath<\/a>, a teacher at Vidyaloka Science Institute, is fascinated by the study of fireflies. He continues to study them and is trying his best to rear them. To pursue the factual status of the local myth, Prabath even wanted to be bitten by a glowworm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I tried to get bitten by one of them, but the glowworm didn\u2019t bother initially, However, after I applied slime on my finger, I did get bitten. But it was like an ant\u2019s bite and only a little pain, which reduced after a few hours,\u201d Prabath added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prabath also tries to rear fireflies from the stages of eggs and has successfully managed to raise them. He is currently working on a research paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A field guide that can be used to identify firefly species with a description of their behavior could be the first step in popularizing firefly studies among the public interested in this charismatic insect, he said. Taking the first step, Wijekoon published the book <a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/362803364_Fireflies_of_Sri_Lanka#:~:text=The%20firefly%20genus%20Harmatelia%20is,wet%20zone%20of%20Sri%20Lanka.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fireflies of Sri Lanka<\/a>,\u201d which is the first-ever comprehensive book on the taxonomy and ecology of fireflies in Sri Lanka, addressing the long-felt need and research gap in firefly literature in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The book contains species names, information on males and females, identification characters, ecological remarks, active time periods, distributions and larval and egg characteristics wherever available. This book offers the first-ever detailed description of the systematics and ecology of Sri Lankan fireflies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\" id=\"attachment_270976\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/imgs.mongabay.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/07\/15121459\/Lamprigera-tenebrosa-female-768x512.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-270976\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A female Lamprigera tenebrosa firefly. Image courtesy of Dhammika Wijekoon.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1111\/csp2.391\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Firefly tourism<\/a>&nbsp;is also popular in many other regions. For example,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1111\/csp2.391\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Research on nature tourism shows<\/a>&nbsp;increased interest among nature-based tourists in &nbsp;firefly tourism. Sri Lanka has the potential to look at such tourism possibilities as some of the pristine sites still harbor a healthy population of fireflies,\u201d Wijekoon said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nighttime river safaris could be an ideal way of observing fireflies without disturbing the natural vegetation, experts say. Some countries like the U.S. have species that have synchronized lighting, which provides a spectacular scene. Much is still unknown about Sri Lanka\u2019s firefly fauna, Wijekoon said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Decades ago, fireflies were a common sight that brought much joy to children, adding magic to the twilight hours \u2014 but this has become a thing of the past in many areas, especially in urban gardens. Not only the loss of suitable vegetation, but light pollution, too, is a major contributor to the decrease in firefly populations, said Wijekoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When there are too many outdoor lights, fireflies fail to communicate with each other, and firefly reproduction cycles take a hit. In addition, the fireflies need moisture, but the soil is getting increasingly dry. Pesticide use is another factor that contributes to the decline of fireflies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wijekoon is also a member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.iucn.org\/our-union\/commissions\/group\/iucn-ssc-firefly-specialist-group\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Firefly Specialist Group<\/a>&nbsp;and said it is important to focus on conservation of these charismatic insects. To highlight the need for action, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/fireflyersinternational.net\/world-firefly-day\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">first weekend of July<\/a>&nbsp;is declared World Firefly Day by the International Firefly Network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Citations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>De Silva,&nbsp;D.&nbsp;R., Wijekoon,&nbsp;D., Sandun Nalaka Bandara,&nbsp;K.&nbsp;V., &amp; Wegiriya,&nbsp;H. (2022, June).&nbsp;<em>Re-record of Luciola nicolleri (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae) from Sri Lanka<\/em>. Paper presented at International Firefly Symposium, Parque Biologico de Gaia, Portugal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wijekoon,&nbsp;C., Wegiriya,&nbsp;H., &amp; Bogahawatte,&nbsp;C. (2021). Distribution, Diversity and Relative Abundance of Fireflies (Coleoptera; Lampyridae) in Three Habitat Types in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;<em>Rajarata University Journal<\/em>. Retrieved from&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/repository.rjt.ac.lk\/bitstream\/handle\/123456789\/3600\/Distribution,%20Diversity%20and%20Relative%20Abundance%20of%20Fireflies%20(Coleoptera;%20Lampyridae)%20in%20Three%20Habitat%20Types%20in%20Sri%20Lanka.pdf?sequence=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">http:\/\/repository.rjt.ac.lk\/bitstream\/handle\/123456789\/3600\/Distribution,%20Diversity%20and%20Relative%20Abundance%20of%20Fireflies%20(Coleoptera;%20Lampyridae)%20in%20Three%20Habitat%20Types%20in%20Sri%20Lanka.pdf?sequence=1<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wijekoon,&nbsp;D., &amp; Wegiriya,&nbsp;H. (2022).&nbsp;<em>Fireflies of Sri Lanka<\/em>. Malabe, Sri Lanka: Sarasavi Publishers (Pvt) Ltd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lewis,&nbsp;S.&nbsp;M., Thancharoen,&nbsp;A., Wong,&nbsp;C.&nbsp;H., L\u00f3pez\u2010Palafox,&nbsp;T., Santos,&nbsp;P.&nbsp;V., Wu,&nbsp;C., \u2026 Reed,&nbsp;J.&nbsp;M. (2021). Firefly tourism: Advancing a global phenomenon toward a brighter future.&nbsp;<em>Conservation Science and Practice<\/em>,&nbsp;<em>3<\/em>(5). doi:10.1111\/csp2.391<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Courtesy Mongabay COLOMBO \u2014 Fireflies, with their bioluminescent rears, are fascinating species that appeal to people\u2019s imaginations, especially those of children. In Sri Lanka, the first systematic study of fireflies was carried out by British naturalists in the 18th&nbsp;century, but afterward, there was a loss of interest in studying these fascinating creatures. Shedding new light [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[170],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-135653","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-nature"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/135653","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=135653"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/135653\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=135653"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=135653"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=135653"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}