A FIELD EXPERIMENT: THE EFFECT OF INTRODUCED LIGHT POLLUTION ON LIGHTENING BUGS (COLEOPTERA: LAMPYRIDAE) IN THE PIEDMONT REGION OF MARYLAND

Abstract

Currently, lampyridae species are believed to be in decline worldwide. Many reasons have been proposed to determine the cause of the decline, such as habitat destruction and pesticide use. The purpose of this study was to determine if light pollution could also be a cause of the decline. Light pollution is believed to be a cause of a decline in lampyridae populations because nocturnal males use the flash pattern and frequency to locate females of the same species. To test this hypothesis, I experimentally introduced a light source in grasslands adjacent to a forest edge. I then recorded the flash frequency before and after the light introduction and found a significant decline in the number of flashes per minute exhibited by lampyridae. Lampyridae play an important role in their ecosystems by controlling agricultural pests, so light pollution should be examined in attempts to reduce their decline.