Worldwide, over 2200 species of firefly and glow-worm beetles (family Lampyridae, hereafter referred to collectively as fireflies), are currently described ( Martin et al., 2019). Certain charismatic nocturnal insect taxa capable of bioluminescent communication, fireflies the most successful and species among them ( Oba and Schultz, 2014), are likely to be both particularly at risk and particularly able to inspire public interest in dark sky conservation. However, nocturnal insects may be especially vulnerable to the encroachment of artificial light at night (ALAN) into their habitats due to their high visual sensitivity ( Warrant, 2017), small body size relative to artificial light sources, and tendency toward positive phototaxis or “flight-to-light” behavior ( Owens and Lewis, 2018 Owens et al., 2020).

Unprecedented increases in night sky brightness threaten all taxa that have evolved under predictable cycles of light and dark ( Gaston et al., 2017). We conclude by highlighting several opportunities for further research to advance this emerging field and by offering a set of up-to-date lighting recommendations that can help land managers and other stakeholders balance public safety and ecological sustainability. In the following review we summarize a recent influx of research into the behavioral consequences of artificial light at night for firefly beetles (Coleoptera: Lampyridae), which we organize into four distinct courtship signaling systems. Artificial lights can obscure the light-based signals on which these and other bioluminescent organisms rely to court mates, deter predators, and attract prey. But in the 21st century, the fireflies, click beetles, and cave glow-worms that brighten our nights are threatened by an unprecedented competitor: anthropogenic light pollution.

2Evolutionary Ecology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgiumīioluminescent insects have been the subject of scientific interest and popular wonder for millennia.

1Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States.

Owens 1†, Mira Van den Broeck 2*†, Raphaël De Cock 2 and Sara M.

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