Habitat-specific distribution and density of fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae): a comparative study between grassland and woodland habitats

Habitat plays a crucial role in the survival of insect species, with many restricted to or thriving in particular environments. This study examines the population densities and flight heights of fireflies across different habitats. Firefly density was estimated using the point count method along randomly placed 100 m transects in two distinct habitats: grassland and woodland. Results revealed that the average density of Abscondita chinensis and Asymmetricata circumdata was significantly higher in grassland than in woodland. Firefly vertical distribution also varied by flight height, with a greater density observed below 1.5 m in grassland (z = 13.90, n1 = 99, n2 = 99, p < 0.05), while in woodland, higher densities were found above 1.5 m (z = 2.29, n1 = 38, n2 = 38, p < 0.05). These findings emphasize habitat-specific preferences & behaviours, highlighting the need for targeted conservation & management strategies to preserve firefly populations, and their diverse environments.