Illinois Nights Are Darker—Here’s Why Lightning Bugs Are Vanishing

I've been wondering all summer—where are all the lightning bugs and fireflies?!

Growing up in Illinois, those little glowing bugs were everywhere!  They'd light up my parents' backyard and it felt like you were walking through a fairytale garden.  Chasing them through the yard, watching the grass glow like it had its own built-in lights.  The nostalgia!

Read More: Signs Mosquito Season Is at Its Worst in Illinois

Related: Why Homeowers Are Putting Soap In Their Gardens

You ever wonder how their bodies glow, though?  I've questioned it but never looked it up.  Here's what I found out!

"The light of a firefly is a chemical reaction caused by an organic compound – luciferin – in their abdomens. As air rushes into a firefly’s abdomen, it reacts with the luciferin. Consequently, it causes a chemical reaction that gives off the firefly’s familiar glow. This light is sometimes called cold light because it generates so little heat." [earthsky]

This year?  There are barely any to be seen on these warm summer nights.  I know I'm not the only one who's noticed the lack of lightning bugs this summer.  What gives?!

Why You’re Seeing Fewer Lightning Bugs & Fireflies in Illinois

According to a Horticulture Educator, Jamie Viebach, lightning bug populations are declining because of all the artificial lights at night and loss of habitat.  How sad.  We have to do better.

If you didn't know, lightning bugs are pollinators and benefit your gardens!

"[The larvae] eat worms, snails, and slugs. They stalk the slimy mollusk trail. They inject a toxin through their mouths and digest prey alive." [beltmag]

Luckily, there are ways we can save these little buggers before it's too late:

• Dim/turn off unnecessary outdoor lights at night
• Leave leaf litter and fallen logs where they are (they create safe spaces for lightning bug larvae!)
• Get rid of the pesticides; sprays hurt lightning bugs and their food sources

It's really heartbreaking to think they might go extinct if we don't do something to fix it.  They're an important part of our ecosystem, so let's make them feel wanted in our backyards!