Fireflies will soon light up Chicago nights — but their future is flickering

The Brief

  • Fireflies are lighting up the Chicago area this summer, with a particularly strong showing thanks to a wet spring—but some species across the U.S. are in decline.
  • Scientists warn that habitat loss, pesticides, climate change, and light pollution are putting firefly populations at risk, including several of Illinois’ 26 species.
  • Experts encourage people to protect fireflies by reducing pesticide use, planting native gardens, minimizing outdoor lighting, and contributing to citizen science efforts like Firefly Atlas.

CHICAGO Fireworks will be filling the skies over the Chicago area this week, but Mother Nature is providing a pretty spectacular show as well with the emergence of fireflies this summer.

However, scientists warn that overall, the firefly population could be flickering.

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