
Pesticides are believed to be a major cause of firefly declines, second only to habitat loss and fragmentation. While research on specific pesticide risks to fireflies is limited, several studies suggest that commonly used insecticides can harm fireflies, and studies on related insects suggest that many pesticides may negatively impact firefly populations. This fact sheet provides information on firefly life cycles, the needs of these beetles, and the threats they face from pesticides, so that you can take direct action at home to help conserve their populations.