The US government is considering listing a firefly species as endangered for the first time, according to a proposal from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Bethany Beach firefly, native to Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia’s coastal areas, is under severe threat due to climate change, including rising sea levels and declining groundwater aquifers. Predictions indicate that all known habitats for this species could be impacted by the century’s end.

The Bethany Beach firefly, already rare and in decline, is one of about 170 firefly species in the US. Known for its unique double-green flash pattern, it was first documented in the 1950s and typically appears in June and July. Monday’s proposal marks the first time a firefly would be protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Beyond climate change, this firefly faces increasing risks from coastal development and light pollution, both of which interfere with its bioluminescent communication. Bethany Beach fireflies are particularly sensitive to artificial light, as they only flash in complete darkness. Residents in areas with firefly populations are encouraged to reduce light pollution by using timers on outdoor lights or turning them off when not needed.

The Bethany Beach firefly joins other insects like the monarch butterfly, which saw a 59% drop in its winter migration population, as conservation concerns rise amid what some call a “bug apocalypse.” The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists over 70 beetle species as endangered, with the Bethany Beach firefly classified as “critically endangered.”

Development of coastal wetlands has further impacted these fireflies, displacing populations and destroying habitats. In 2019, a significant wetland habitat supporting the largest known Bethany Beach firefly population in Breakwater Beach, New Jersey, was lost due to development. The developer reportedly exploited a loophole in wetland protection policies, leading to a devastating population decline.

Protecting the Bethany Beach firefly requires immediate action to conserve its habitat and minimise light pollution, ensuring that this rare species continues to thrive along the Atlantic coast.

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