Part 2: Q&A with DNR’s Anna Yellin
By CAITLIN LYONS
Just before a firefly survey last month, Georgia DNR wildlife biologist Anna Yellin answered the following questions about how and why the agency is working to better understand and conserve Georgia’s firefly populations. Yellin leads DNR’s work with fireflies. This Q&A has been edited for length and clarity.
What is the overall purpose of our fieldwork tonight?
Wildlife biologist Anna Yellin during a bat survey (DNR)
We are learning more about the different species in Georgia and what parts of the state they are in. The first question is, what species are here? We would also like to learn what habitats they are using and how their populations are doing. We would like to ensure that the different firefly species are doing well in Georgia, but first, we need to know what is here.
What does this fieldwork entail?
We’ll begin at dusk when fireflies start lighting up. We will continue to survey until about 11 p.m. We are in a wetland that we know has a diversity of firefly species. To determine what species are here, we are gathering behavior and habitat data. If we can determine some general differences between the fireflies – such as flash pattern and flash color – we will sample a couple from the different categories. These will be sent to a firefly expert for dissection and DNA, and the information added to a national Firefly Atlas.
What species of firefly is your favorite, and why?
I have yet to decide on a specific species that I prefer. I like seeing the common eastern firefly that I grew up with. I also am enjoying the synchronous fireflies that we are just learning are in different areas in Georgia. I’m still new to the firefly world. For example, I have yet to see a blue ghost. I’m looking forward to seeing one of those.
Is there one fact about fireflies you wish everyone knew?
I wish that everyone knew how lucky we are here in Georgia to have so much firefly diversity.
Firefly collected during a Georgia survey (Caitlin Lyons/DNR)
What is the leading threat to fireflies globally, and specifically in Georgia?
Habitat loss. Habitat loss is usually less noticeable than a forest turned into a parking lot. One aspect of habitat loss for fireflies is light pollution. Artificial nighttime lighting makes it difficult for fireflies to persist in an area. It restricts their ability to communicate with each other. Fireflies require darkness to mate and to identify other fireflies that are predators.
Another less noticeable factor in habitat loss is pesticides. Even when it appears that fireflies were not affected by recently applied pesticides, impacts occur. For example, the fireflies in the area may be weakened, more vulnerable to predators and less able to reproduce.
What conservation effort, in your opinion, is most important for fireflies?
If it is known that certain things we do threaten the insects – which we rely on – we need better laws, regulations and incentives to prevent these things from happening. The threats to fireflies are the same as to many other insects. Fireflies rely on darkness just like moths, which are significant pollinators. The same pesticides that impact fireflies can have the same consequences for bees and butterflies.
In the case of firefly decline, however, one of the big differences is that it is more noticeable. If people know that fireflies were previously in an area and are no longer there, other less noticeable insects that were previously there are likely absent, as well.
Eastern firefly (Photinus pyralis) in late evening (Adobe Stock)
Are there things everyone can do to help conserve them?
Yes! Consistently choose to create and maintain habitat at home. Some ways to do this:
- Maintain part of a yard for the larvae. Fireflies are obvious for only a small portion of their lifetime. Before they fly as adults, they spend a year or two in the soil.
- Reduce home lighting. For example, use motion detection lights on the exterior of your house, and close the curtains to prevent indoor lighting from lighting up the outdoors at night.
- Reduce pesticide use in your yard.
- Create a native plant garden. Resources include this list of native plants for pollinators and this one for native plant nurseries.
ALSO SEE FIREFLIES PART 1: STUDYING NATURE’S TWINKLING LIGHTS
Caitlin Lyons is a summer intern with DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division.