New York (AP) – Flyworms illuminate summer evenings in the northeast of the United States and organize dazzling shows in backyards and city parks.
There is no official count, but experts say that a particularly wet source may have created the ideal conditions for young fireflies to grow to adults to set summer nights.
Flyworms glow the night everywhere: there are over 2,000 known species worldwide. They use their characteristic flashes to communicate and find the perfect partner.
In New York City, the Lightning Bugs are traveling in the five districts and sparkle as soon as the sun goes down in places like Central Park and Prospect Park. The summer months are ideal to recognize them when they disappear all the month of August.
While northeastern nights may appear brighter this summer, the mistakes are still in decline and they disappear faster than ever.
“It would be a mistake to say that the Firefly population is high this year, so there is no decline,” said Matt Schlesinger from the New York Natural Heritage program, which is part of the efforts to count glowworms in state parks.
Some Firefly species could do well this year, said Schlesinger, while others are still in decline.
Loss of living, pesticide consumption and light pollution are responsible. In cities, weak lights of advertising boards, cars and shop fronts can drown out the luminaires of the bugs, which makes it more difficult for them to find their relatives and hand over their genes to the next generation.
Flyworms are part of the history of summer, said entomologist Jessica Ware in the American Museum of Natural History. Her children grew up when they flashed in their garden, but the beetles disappeared when their children met their teenage years.
In the past few months, her family has returned the fireflies. Her return made her think of all children who see the shining beetles for the first time.
“It shouldn't be new,” said Ware. “It should be something that is a universal part of the summer.”
To keep an eye out for fireflies, take the light out at night and avoid spraying lawns with insecticides at the front.
“We still have to work something to change our behavior to really ensure that large population groups can remain large,” said Ware.
The Department of Health and Science Department of Associated Press receives support from the Department of Science Education of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is only responsible for all content.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, transferred, re -written or redistributed without permission.