Firefly
Abscondita chinensis
Kawal Tiger Reserve, Telangana
The night was quiet with the hum of cicadas, there was a slight drizzle, and the darkness was a sea of flitting lights. It was magical to witness fireflies overrun the trees and bushes in silence, yet communicating through flickers, sometimes random and sometimes in unison. As I stood in the rain, they performed a slow, beautiful dance, effortlessly living up to their romantic descriptive of a 'light posse' or 'sparkle'. The surreal sense of being in the glowing embrace of a sparkle of fireflies was gifted to me near the Kawal Tiger Reserve. This is the first time I have seen fireflies in these numbers not including the solitary visitors every now and then. Perhaps this dramatic decline in the firefly numbers and sightings is a consequence of habitat loss and degradation, accompanied by pollution - specifically light pollution, climate change and other global phenomena. Today, especially in cities, these stunners have all disappeared.
Many insect species are disappearing rapidly across the globe, including in India, and entomologists fear that the lack of conservation efforts will lead to the extinction of a large number of species. Efforts to reverse or, at least, stall these trends require interdisciplinary approaches, and multiple stakeholders need to work together to identify and address issues that threaten native species, ecosystems and habitats. Conservation efforts would include the preservation and restoration of firefly habitats and extensive research and evaluation of species phenologies, habitats and threats. In addition to tackling unsustainable practices, we must raise awareness among local communities and other stakeholders. For many, the magic of fireflies seems to be a mere memory. During my recent field trip, I was lucky enough to revisit our collective nostalgia for these lightning bugs but the lack of conservation and preservation of their habitats could take away the precious few opportunities left to bask in their sparkle.
Around 2400 firefly species are known globally and India is home to an estimated 50-70 species of fireflies with more potentially yet to be discovered, all belonging to the family Lampyridae. These beetles are known for their bioluminescent light production, though some species do not produce light, they are indicators of a healthy environment and are often found in areas with lush vegetation and moisture.
As part of my ongoing collaboration with the Hyderabad Tiger Conservation Society, I have been exploring the Kawal Tiger Reserve including the Gond villages within the area. I did some nightscapes in the vicinity of one of those villages published earlier but today is about one of nature’s most spectacular performers - the Firefly - specifically the species Abscondita chinensis. In Telangana, zoologists and biodiversity experts have confirmed that bioluminescent fireflies, locally called जुगनू or మిణుగురు పురుగు, have almost disappeared from urban and semi-urban areas while their number is dwindling in villages. They are now seen only in forest tracts and undisturbed jungles. Light pollution and excessive use of pesticides are the prime reasons for their disappearance.
Fact: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana state account for 24% of pesticide use in the country, the highest for any state.
This is akin to the decline in the population of honey bees. It has been recorded that the decline of honey bees is affecting pollination and government organisations are apathetic about biodiversity. Their only focus being charismatic species like the tiger, the elephant and the lion. There is a need to identify the problem and mitigate it
Telangana is the eleventh largest state in India situated on the south-central stretch of the Indian peninsula on the high Deccan Plateau. It is the twelfth-most populated state in India with a geographical area of 112,077 km² of which 21,214 km² is forest cover. The dry deciduous forests ecoregion of the central Deccan Plateau covers much of the state, including Hyderabad. The characteristic vegetation is woodlands of Hardwickia binata (Anjan Tree or నరేపా) and Albizia amara (నార్లింగ నల్ల రెంగా). Over 80% of the original forest cover has been cleared for agriculture, timber harvesting, or cattle grazing, but large blocks of forest can be found in the reserve areas like Kawal, Amrabad and the huge Nagarjuna Sagar - Srisailam Tiger Reserve. The more humid Eastern Highlands moist deciduous forests cover the Eastern Ghats in the eastern part of the state. The Central Deccan forests have an upper canopy at 15–25 meters, and an understory at 10–15 meters, with little undergrowth.
The Kawal Tiger Reserve located in the North Eastern part of Telangana (the old Adilabad district) is bounded by the mighty Godavari River on one side and the Maharashtra border on the other. It lies within the Jannaram mandal of Adilabad district. The Government of India declared Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary a Tiger Reserve in 2012 and HyTiCoS was a key influencer in this decision. At present the reserve has a low tiger density but promises tremendous potential as a source area with stepped up protection and habitat amelioration under Project Tiger. The Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1965 and later declared as a Protected Area (PA) in 1999 under the WPA, 1972. Incidentally, when I went through my photographs over the years, I realized that a lot of the wild and birdlife I had photographed were from the areas in the Godavari River basin and its tributaries. Read about them here.
Kawal is well known for its abundant flora and fauna. The reserve is catchment for the rivers Godavari and Kadam, which flow towards the south of the sanctuary. The Kawal Tiger Reserve (KTR) is spread over a total area of 2015.44 km² of which the Core Area is 893 km² extending in the districts of Nirmal, Mancherial, Adilabad and Kumuram Bheem Asifabad. Geographically the reserve is situated in the southern-most tip of the Central Indian Tiger Landscape, having linkages with the Tadoba-Andhari (Maharashtra) and Indravati (Chhattisgarh) Tiger Reserve. Thus, the habitat has tremendous significance for tiger conservation in the region. After being listed as a Tiger Reserve in April 2012, it was developed as a tiger habitat with the release of 150 Chital as the prey population and today it is home to a whole multitude of species.
To reduce poaching, new check-posts have been created and traditional sources of water improved. HyTiCoS is also leading from the front conducting regular threat assessments and snare removal surveys, monitoring the Tigers which are in and passing through, conducting large-scale occupancy surveys and monitoring the prey base. They map corridors, conduct Bird Walks and Biodiversity Documentation Checklists and much more.
There has been an impactful decision taken on 30 May, 2025 - “The Telangana State government on Friday (May 30, 2025) issued orders declaring the tiger corridor area connecting the Kawal Tiger Reserve in the State with the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra as the ‘Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve’, as per the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972… Apart from tigers, the proposed area is home to a variety of other carnivores such as leopard, wild dog, sloth bear, wolf, hyena, honey badger, jungle cat, and supports diverse prey such as gaur, sambar, nilgai, chital, four-horned antelope, muntjac, and Indian gazelle.”
The final image is linked here with EXIF information included.
Firefly - Abscondita chinensis
Fireflies are fascinating creatures known for their distinctive ability to produce light, a phenomenon called bioluminescence. Also commonly known as Lightning Bugs or Glowworms, they are actually beetles belonging to the family Lampyridae, within the order Coleoptera. More specifically, fireflies are beetles, belonging to the Order Coleoptera, and like all insects, they are a class within the phylum Arthropoda.
Some of the key characteristics of arthropods that fireflies share are that they possess a hard, external skeleton (exoskeleton) made of chitin. Their bodies are divided into distinct segments and they have jointed legs. They have an open circulatory system meaning blood (hemolymph) circulates freely within their body cavity (hemocoel), rather than being confined to blood vessels.
Here's a closer look at these amazing insects:
1. Bioluminescence
Light Production: Fireflies generate light through a chemical reaction within specialized light organs located in their lower abdomen. This reaction involves a light-emitting compound called luciferin and an enzyme called luciferase, along with oxygen and ATP (adenosine triphosphate, the energy-carrying molecule of cells).
Cold Light: The light produced by fireflies is incredibly efficient, with almost 100% of the energy released as light and very little heat, unlike incandescent light bulbs.
Colors and Patterns: The light they produce can be yellow, green, or orange, with different species emitting unique flash patterns, functioning like a unique code for communication. Some firefly species even exhibit synchronized flashing, creating beautiful collective light displays.
2. Life cycle
Fireflies undergo complete metamorphosis, which involves four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
Larval Stage: Most of a firefly's life is spent as a larva, sometimes lasting up to two years. Larvae are predatory, feeding on soft-bodied invertebrates like snails, slugs, and worms. They use their glow as a warning to predators.
Adult Stage: Adult fireflies, depending on the species, may feed on nectar, pollen, or other insects, while some do not feed at all during their short adult lifespan of a few weeks. Their primary focus during this stage is reproduction.
3. Habitat and distribution
Fireflies are found in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, marshes, wetlands, and even urban areas, in both temperate and tropical climates around the world.
They often prefer moist environments like marshes or wet, wooded areas where their larvae have a rich food supply.
4. Threats and conservation
Unfortunately, firefly populations are facing declines worldwide due to several factors, including habitat loss, pesticide use, and light pollution.
Protecting their habitats and minimizing light pollution are essential for their survival.
While some sources mention around 2000 species, more recent data indicates that over 2200 have been described, with more being discovered each year. For example, North America alone has documented over 170 species. However, there are still many undescribed species, particularly in regions like the Neotropics and parts of Africa, suggesting that the actual number is likely higher.
These species exhibit a wide variety of behaviors and life history traits, including:
Nocturnal vs. Diurnal: Some are active at night and rely on bioluminescence for courtship, while others are active during the day and may use pheromones instead.
Flash Patterns: Different species have unique flash patterns, functioning like a unique code for communication. More on the flash patterns in a bit.
Habitat Diversity: Fireflies are found in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, marshes, and wetlands, across temperate and tropical regions on every continent except Antarctica.
Larval Stage: All firefly larvae are bioluminescent, although not all adults produce light.
Despite their diversity and cultural importance, fireflies are facing threats like habitat loss, pesticide use, and light pollution, which are causing population declines in many areas.
A brief note on Synchronous vs. asynchronous flashing in fireflies
1. Synchronous flashing
Definition: In synchronous flashing, multiple individual fireflies of the same species flash their lights on and off simultaneously, creating coordinated patterns. It can create a spectacular display where an entire area, such as a forest, seems to illuminate and darken in unison.
Purpose and advantages:
Mate recognition: This coordinated flashing is believed to enhance mate recognition by reducing visual clutter in environments with many potential mates.
Signal fidelity: When many males flash together, it can help maintain the clarity of their species-specific signals, making it easier for females to identify suitable partners.
Examples: The most well-known examples of synchronous flashing include the Photinus carolinus in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States, and the Photuris frontalis in Congaree National Park, South Carolina. Synchronized flashing in fireflies is also common in Southeast Asia.
2. Asynchronous flashing
Definition: In asynchronous flashing, individual fireflies flash independently, with no apparent coordination or synchronized rhythm among the group.
Purpose: Asynchronous flashing is also a form of communication, though the specific functions and benefits in all species are not yet fully understood.
In essence: Synchronous flashing is about coordinated light displays, while asynchronous flashing involves independent light production by individuals.
Note: While some firefly species are known for their spectacular synchronous flashing, it is believed that only about 1% of the roughly 2,000 species of fireflies around the world engage in this behavior. Many other species utilize asynchronous flashing patterns or even pheromone signaling for mate attraction. It is important to remember that firefly flashing patterns can be complex and influenced by various factors, including environmental conditions and the specific context of observation.
Now onto our species of the day - the Abscondita chinensis. They are a captivating species of firefly belonging to the family Lampyridae and subfamily Luciolinae, is a luminous wonder native to tropical Asia. Known for its remarkable bioluminescent displays, particularly during mating season, it plays a vital role in its ecosystem as a predator and contributes to the charm of natural environments. Although Abscondita chinensis is not primarily known as an asynchronous firefly studies have shown that they exhibit synchronous flashing under natural conditions. However, interestingly, research has revealed that under captive conditions, their luminescence emission patterns can differ, exhibiting increased flash patterns and intensity initially, followed by a decrease in flash speed and intensity over time.
Abscondita chinensis was previously classified under the genus Luciola, but molecular phylogeny studies have since led to its reclassification into the new genus Abscondita. Both male and female adults of the genus Abscondita are winged. Identifying species within the genus Abscondita can be challenging due to their similar colorations, characterized by brown elytra with darkened apices. However, the male genitalia provide crucial distinguishing features. Specifically, Abs. chinensis can be differentiated from the closely related Abs. terminalis by the consistently dark coloration of its fifth ventrite (V5), whereas in Abscondita terminalis, V5 is pale in the middle.
The adults of Abscondita chinensis inhabit diverse environments, including open forested and grassland areas, preferring moist grassy regions and areas near water bodies. These adaptable insects can also be found in marshy areas, freshwater canals, paddy fields, and shrubs - which is where I discovered and photographed them. Their mating season spans July and August, marked by the appearance of the first firefly flashes after sunset in July. Males engage in courtship flights, typically at an average height of 2 to 3 meters, while females respond to their flashing signals from ground vegetation or perching sites.
The most striking feature of Abscondita chinensis is its ability to produce light through a chemical process known as bioluminescence. Both sexes emit yellowish light. Notably, Abscondita chinensis exhibits synchronous flashing under natural conditions. However, studies have revealed that luminescence emission patterns can differ in captive settings, with increased flash patterns and intensity observed initially, followed by a decrease in flash speed and intensity over time. Intriguingly, Abscondita chinensis possesses a mechanism to conserve energy by deactivating the light flash in the final segment of its light organ. Research has also explored the impact of environmental factors like temperature on luminescence, revealing shifts in peak emission values.
The larvae of Abscondita chinensis are terrestrial and are particularly active in the moist soils of forests, often found near aquatic environments. They exhibit a carnivorous diet, preying or scavenging on ants such as Polyrhachis vicina and other small insects. Larvae are also capable of cannibalism, especially when food is scarce. Larvae undergo five instars and mature in under five months in captivity. Before pupation, the final instar larvae construct pupal cells within the soil, followed by a pupal period lasting approximately 7 to 8 days.
While Abscondita chinensis is considered a relatively widespread species in India and beyond, concerns exist regarding localized population declines. A study conducted in Barrankula, a coastal region of Andhra Pradesh, India, highlighted a significant reduction in Abscondita chinensis population density over two decades. While the exact factors influencing this decline require further investigation, water pollution and climate change are considered potential threats to firefly populations worldwide. Further population modeling studies are crucial to understand the distribution and abundance patterns of Abscondita chinensis and implement effective conservation strategies.
In conclusion, Abscondita chinensis is a fascinating firefly species, known for its bioluminescent displays and unique life cycle. Molecular studies have redefined its taxonomy, and the species is distinguished by features of the male genitalia. It lives in various habitats, and its bioluminescence, especially during mating, adds a magical quality to its existence. However, threats from pollution and climate change highlight the need for conservation efforts to protect this insect. By appreciating and studying Abscondita chinensis, the importance of preserving these creatures and their natural environments can be better understood.
The Main threats to fireflies in Telangana and in general across India
Firefly populations, including Abscondita chinensis, in Telangana and India in general are facing a multitude of threats, primarily stemming from human activities and environmental changes. These beautiful bioluminescent insects are experiencing declines in many regions, raising concerns about their future and the health of the ecosystems they inhabit.
The key threats are:
1. Habitat loss and degradation
Urbanization and Infrastructure Development: Rapid urbanization, expansion of cities, road widening projects, and construction of resorts and home stays - especially in the Western Ghats - encroaches upon and destroys firefly habitats, including forests, wetlands, grasslands, and riparian zones. The Firefly camps in the Western Ghats, particularly the Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra, are known for firefly festivals and camping during the pre-monsoon season from late May to early June. Millions of fireflies gather during this time for mating rituals, creating a beautiful spectacle of light. Several places in the Western Ghats offer these firefly viewing experiences. Some of the most popular being:
Bhandardara: A well-known spot to see thousands of fireflies, attracting many tourists annually.
Rajmachi: Located near Lonavala, it offers a scenic setting with a fort and lush greenery, popular for trekking and firefly viewing.
Purushwadi: A village famous for its yearly Fireflies Festival, offering a rural setting about a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Mumbai.
Igatpuri: Known for its natural beauty and quiet atmosphere, ideal for witnessing fireflies.
Kothaligad (Peth Fort): Located in Karjat, Maharashtra, offering a unique location with ancient structures.
Sandhan Valley: Known as the Valley of Shadows, it lights up at night with fireflies in the trees
While firefly camps and festivals in the Western Ghats are popular for ecotourism and offer additional livelihood to local tribal communities, they also pose significant threats to the delicate firefly populations if not managed responsibly.
a. Habitat degradation and loss
Trampling: Large numbers of tourists walking through firefly habitats, especially during the peak mating season, can inadvertently crush female fireflies, eggs laid on the ground, or developing larvae.
Camping Infrastructure: Setting up tents and other camping facilities can damage vegetation, compact soil, and alter the microclimate of the area, making it less suitable for fireflies.
Deforestation: The cutting down of trees like hirda, behda, jamun, mango, and cluster figs, which are ideal for firefly settlement and mating, directly impacts firefly populations and their reproductive success.
Stubble Burning: The practice of burning agricultural stubble and vegetation on hillocks, often for new crops, also destroys larvae, eggs, and food sources for fireflies.
b. Light pollution
Disrupted Mating Signals: Fireflies rely on their bioluminescent flashes to attract mates. Artificial light from flashlights, torchlights, vehicle headlights, campfires, and even mobile phones and cameras, interferes with these vital courtship signals, hindering successful reproduction. The worst is when the tourists to these camps create a party like atmosphere lighting up the entire space for their amusement destroying the darkness which is required by the very same fireflies they’ve travelled to witness.
Behavioral Changes: Fireflies may alter their flashing patterns and intensity in the presence of artificial light, potentially reducing their chances of finding a mate.
Increased Energy Expenditure: Fireflies might try to flash brighter to overcome the interference from artificial lights, expending more energy and potentially impacting their survival.
c. Water pollution
Contamination from Campsites: Improper waste disposal, including human waste, plastics, and other litter from campsites, can contaminate water sources used by fireflies and their prey.
Shoreline Erosion: In areas like mangrove forests, motorboat traffic associated with tourism can cause shoreline erosion and water pollution from fuel and oil leakage, further degrading firefly habitats. In some places vehicles are allowed on the beach itself and this practice leaves behind fuel waste on the beach thus darkening, polluting and destroying the microhabitat completely.
d. Disturbance and stress
Noise Pollution: Loud music and noise from tourists can stress fireflies and disrupt their natural behaviors.
Human Interference: Tourists venturing deep into the forests, particularly at night, can disrupt the natural activities of fireflies and their ecosystem.
Catching Fireflies: Some tourists may catch fireflies as souvenirs, directly reducing the population and potentially harming the insects.
e. Potential impact on the local economy
Vicious Cycle: While tourism provides an income for local communities, the decline in firefly populations due to unsustainable practices can jeopardize future tourism, impacting the very livelihoods that rely on these insects. It is crucial to recognize that responsible management of firefly tourism in the Western Ghats is essential to mitigate these threats and ensure the long-term survival of firefly populations. This involves implementing stricter regulations, educating tourists about responsible practices, promoting designated viewing areas, and supporting local communities in developing sustainable tourism models that prioritize firefly conservation.
Agricultural Intensification: Modern agricultural practices, including the expansion of monoculture and the elimination of natural vegetation, reduce the availability of suitable habitats for fireflies and their prey.
Deforestation: Cutting down trees like hirda (Black Myrobalan/ Terminalia chebula), behda (Terminalia bellirica), jamun (Syzygium cumini commonly called the Malabar Plum), mango, and cluster figs, which are ideal for firefly settlement and mating, directly impacts firefly populations and their reproductive success.
Stubble Burning: Burning agricultural stubble and vegetation on hillocks for new crops destroys larvae, eggs, and food sources for fireflies.
2. Artificial light at night (ALAN) or light pollution
Disruption of Mating Rituals: Fireflies rely heavily on their bioluminescent flashes for communication and mating. Artificial light from streetlights, buildings, vehicles, and even campfires interferes with these signals, making it difficult for males and females to find each other and reproduce successfully. There is a direct correlation between the number of active fireflies and distance from artificial light sources. This is a fact I noticed at my location as well. There is a fair bit of light pollution in the background which is why I couldn’t raise my camera to capture the night skies.
Behavioral Changes: Fireflies exposed to artificial light may exhibit changes in their flashing patterns and intensity, potentially reducing their attractiveness to mates or affecting their ability to locate optimal breeding sites.
Loss of Dark Areas: The increasing spread of light pollution into previously dark rural areas further reduces the available habitat for fireflies that require darkness for their nocturnal activities. The location I photographed these fireflies at is a Bortle 4 location. Read more about the Bortle Scale.
3. Pesticide use
Direct Mortality and Bioaccumulation: Pesticides used in agriculture can directly kill fireflies at all life stages, especially the larvae that live in soil and water. Fireflies can also be exposed to pesticides by consuming contaminated prey or by contact with sprayed vegetation.
Prey Reduction: Pesticides kill firefly prey such as snails and slugs, which are crucial food sources for firefly larvae.
Contamination of Water and Soil: Runoff containing pesticides can contaminate the aquatic and terrestrial habitats where fireflies live and breed.
4. Climate change
Altered Life Cycles: Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns due to climate change can disrupt the life cycles of fireflies, affecting the timing of their emergence, mating seasons, and overall survival. For instance sporadic rainfall in India has a negative impact on firefly numbers.
Habitat Degradation: Extreme weather events associated with climate change, like droughts or excessive rainfall, can further degrade firefly habitats and impact their delicate ecosystems.
5. Unsustainable tourism
Disturbance of Mating Rituals: Firefly festivals, as I have stated earlier, while popular for ecotourism, can pose a threat to fireflies if not managed responsibly.
Habitat Degradation: Trampling by large groups of tourists and the setting up of temporary camps and facilities can damage firefly habitats, particularly the sensitive larval stages on the ground.
Waste Management: Inadequate waste management during festivals can further pollute the environment and negatively impact firefly habitats.
These threats are often interconnected and exacerbate each other's effects on firefly populations. Addressing these issues requires a multi-pronged approach involving habitat protection and restoration, reduction of light pollution, responsible pesticide use, climate change mitigation, and promotion of sustainable tourism practices. Public awareness and community involvement are also crucial for the long-term conservation of these enchanting insects in India.
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The final image - a stack of 157 images taken near the Kawal Tiger Reserve before rain put an end to all proceedings for the night and successive nights of the week.
Exif: Canon 1Dx Mark ii | Sigma 50mm f/1.4 ART @ f/2 | 10 seconds | ISO 500 | Manually focused with WB set to Manual at 5500k | Find all the gear I use in my Kit Bag.
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