Endangered Fireflies Face Extinction Due to Climate Change and Urbanization

Scientists warn that several firefly species, including the Bethany Beach firefly, are at risk of disappearing forever.

The Bethany Beach firefly may become the first U.S. firefly on the Endangered Species List due to habitat loss and climate change.
Firefly populations are threatened by rising sea levels, urban development, pesticides, and light pollution.
Researchers have identified 170 firefly species in the U.S., but lack sufficient data on half of them.
About one-third of the surveyed firefly species are thriving, while 18 are in significant trouble.
Fireflies' unique bioluminescence makes them important to ecosystems and beloved by people worldwide.