Light Pollution May Soon
Cause Extinction of Fireflies,
Study Says Threats to the insect are
no different than what
other species are facing worldwide. According to an analysis
in 'BioScience,' fireflies must
also contend with light pollution. Human-made sources can
wash out lights emitted by fireflies, which is similar to how stars
are usually not visible at night
over a major city. Fireflies then miss each other's light signals,
which causes a decrease in mating and population. Light pollution affects
nearly a quarter of land on Earth. Study experts say
artificial light is now the
fireflies' second biggest threat. Researchers say courtship can be improved by regulating usage of artificial outdoor lights. Study authors, via 'BioScience'