COLOMBO — Fireflies, with their bioluminescent rears, are fascinating species that appeal to people’s imaginations, especially those of children. In Sri Lanka, the first systematic study of fireflies was carried out by British naturalists in the 18th century, but afterward, there was a loss of interest in studying these fascinating creatures. Shedding new light on […]

In Sri Lanka, the first systematic study of fireflies was carried out by British naturalists in the 18th century, but afterward, there was a loss of interest in studying these fascinating creatures.

Shedding new light on Sri Lanka’s firefly fauna, researchers and at least one enthusiastic amateur continue to study them today, resulting in several discoveries.

Sri Lanka is home to 16 firefly species, while Abscondita perplexa and Asymmetricata humeralis are more common and show a countrywide distribution.

In 2010, the researchers recorded Curtos costipennis for the first time in Sri Lanka, making it the first firefly member of the genus Curtos found in Sri Lanka.

Taking the first step, Wijekoon published the book “Fireflies of Sri Lanka,” which is the first-ever comprehensive book on the taxonomy and ecology of fireflies in Sri Lanka, addressing the long-felt need and research gap in firefly literature in the country.

  • slake-moth@kbin.social
    2·
    1 year ago

    In 2022, research on A. humeralis conducted by Dammika Wijekoon and Hemantha Wegiriya of the University of Ruhuna showed that male A. humeralis can look different in color and pattern, highlighting that there can be more secrets in the world of fireflies to be investigated.

    The link they use is a OneDrive link when they could have just linked to researchgate

  • Num10ck@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    would they be an invasive species to introduce them into the rest of the world where they are missed?

    • Treevan 🇦🇺@aussie.zoneOPEnglish
      2·
      1 year ago

      Without thinking about it, yes.

      But with enough study, similar to what they do with insect releases for invasive plants, then maybe?

      There is probably other things to be focusing on unfortunately. I’m not an entomologist, just saw this article when I was looking for plant/enviro news.