Why Should Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) be Understood and Conserved?

Fireflies are well known for their bioluminescent capabilities and play an important role in various ecosystems, human culture, and scientific innovation. Ecologically, they serve as critical bioindicators and contribute to the food chain as predators. Economically, fireflies support ecotourism. In the field of biomedicine, they are useful in cancer treatment. Fireflies are culturally embedded in folklore, traditions, and indigenous knowledge systems. This review highlights current research and ethnological narratives that underscore the need for firefly conservation.