Why are there fewer fireflies in New Jersey this summer?

One of the most beautiful sights of summer is sitting outside after dark and watching the lightning bugs (or fireflies) flicker in the backyard.

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It instantly feels like summer and brings back so many childhood memories of playing with my neighborhood friends outside, watching them light up around the yard.

The other night, I noticed there weren't any lightning bugs around, and I haven't really seen any this summer in my backyard.

Are Lightning Bugs Really Declining, Or Does It Depend On Where You Live

I mentioned it on the air, and it turned into a conversation with callers from all over New Jersey, with many saying they noticed the same thing, while others did say they're seeing plenty of them where they live in the Garden State.

One listener from Medford said she's been seeing several of them in her yard at night, and another listener from Freehold said the same.

But if it seems like you're seeing fewer lightning bugs around, you're not imagining it. Several callers said they haven't seen any this summer.

Are Fewer Fireflies Lighting Up New Jersey Summers These Days

Experts say overall, lightning bugs have been declining for many years now. According to USA Today, the decline is due to several reasons, including habitat loss, light pollution, pesticide use, and climate change.

"The insects depend on moist environments and vegetation to survive, and artificial lighting can make it harder for them to spot the flashes they use to attract mates."

Hopefully, this is just one of those summers where they're a little harder to find in certain areas of the state. Those little flashes of light are certainly one of the simple things that make summer so special.

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