New species of fireflies

Prelims : Current events of National Importance | Conservation

Why in News?

Bethune College, Kolkata assistant professor Srinjana discovered 2 new species of fireflies.

• Discovered species - Triangulara sunderbanensis and Medeopteryx bengalensis.
• Triangulara sunderbanensis – It is found at the Sunderbans Sunderban Biosphere Reserve, a world heritage site.
• It is the 2^nd species to be discovered in the world under the Triangulara genus. The other was recorded in Thailand.
• Medeopteryx bengalensis – It is found near Thakurpukur, Kolkata.
• It is the 1^st discovery of a new species under the Medeopteryx genus in India. This is the 26^th species of this genus to be discovered.
• Threats
  • Use of pesticides,
  • disappearance of habitats like water bodies and associated plants,
  • changes in the distribution of earthworms and molluscs that firefly larvae feed on,
  • encroachment of invasive species, and
  • exposure to automobile exhaust and heavy metals.
• The most significant factor affecting the firefly population is artificial light pollution.
• The light in fireflies is a cold light caused by an enzymatic reaction.
• The light they emit plays an important role in courtship signals during the mating season.
• When exposed to artificial light, their signal gets masked, which affects mating and their reproduction.
• The disappearance of the insect has also affected the food chain of frogs and birds. Fireflies also act as potential pollinators.

Reference

Times of India | New Species of Fireflies