Scientific name: Lampyris noctiluca
Nocturnal insect whose natural light fascinates generations and serves as an indicator of unpolluted landscapes.
How this species lives in its natural environment, with the climate, shelters and resources it needs.
The firefly is a symbol of healthy summer nights and the importance of reducing light pollution.
It prefers areas with low vegetation, moist soils, and shelters among grasses, mosses, and leaves.
Females glow from the ground or low vegetation, while males fly searching for those flashes.
Its light is an example of a very visible and species-specific sexual signal.
Habitat loss, pesticides, and excessive nighttime lighting are related to the decline of fireflies in many regions.
Striking details about this species that show its biology and ecology in a different way.
Aspects to consider if this species is kept in captivity in specialized centers.
In captivity it is difficult to reproduce their natural light and dark conditions without altering their behavior.
Larvae need specific prey (small snails) and moist microhabitats.
Capture for prolonged display can negatively affect local populations.
General information aimed at professional facilities and authorized centers.
The most ethical approach is usually to observe them in their natural environment, respecting breeding sites.
Educational projects can focus on turning off lights and conserving habitats so they continue to appear.
If kept temporarily, it should be done in very small numbers and with the intention of releasing them afterward.
The firefly is an excellent icon for talking about light pollution and nocturnal biodiversity.
Whenever possible, it is preferable to observe insects in their natural environment, promote favorable habitats (flowers, ponds, hedges) and use captive breeding only for justified educational or conservation purposes.