Fireflies threatened globally, with light pollution a glaring problem

The top threat was habitat loss and fragmentation caused by factors such as urbanization, industrialisation and agricultural intensification. (Reuters file picture shows Specimens of different species of fireflies are displayed at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) in Kuala Lumpur )

WASHINGTON: Fireflies are under threat globally, with familiar hazards such as habitat loss and pesticides compounded by another peril: humankind's ubiquitous nighttime artificial light that plays havoc with their balletic nocturnal courtship, scientists said.

In the most comprehensive worldwide assessment to date of dangers facing these flying beetles, researchers concluded that some of the 2,000-plus firefly species may face extinction threats while others are doing just fine.