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 2nd 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 1st discovery of a new species under the Medeopteryx genus in India. This is the 26th 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
