More visible fireflies passionate Montrealers

Lucioles are becoming more. Moreover, more visible in the Greater Montreal, which revives the interest of the population for this light beast.

“A few days ago, I went out for a walk for 10 minutes in Montreal and I observed around sixty fireflies. Similarly, It’s really magical to see that, ”says Étienne Normandin, president of the Association of Entomologists Amateur du Québec.

Several notes these light critters more. Therefore, whether in front of the houses or in the courses, the alleys or the parks.

“This year, it’s a good one for fireflies,” confirms Ana Livia Oliviera, doctoral student in the environment at Concordia University.

Identify fireflies in town

It takes part weekly in marks to identify fireflies organized by Urbanature. Furthermore, an organization which makes environmental education in an urban environment, mainly among disadvantaged populations.

Every Wednesday for two years. with a dozen young and old, she travels the districts more visible fireflies passionate montrealers of the west of Montreal, the Mont-Royal park or the Maisonneuve park. Together, they identify the fireflies and collect data on their habitats.

“It is good to see people be careful. it makes them interested in other species and in nature in general”, famous M^me Oliviera.

It is since 2023 that the two experts have noted an increase in fireflies’ observations. But it is difficult for them to confirm the increase since it lacks data, deplores Mr. Normandin.

This is what prompted him to launch the CAP initiative on insects, similar to urbanale steps. In small groups, they are looking for ladybugs, bees, dragonflies, fronts and other insects.

Their observations are then documented by applying inaturalist citizen science.

“And participation is free,” said the insect enthusiast.

Health ecosystem

He has 19 species of fireflies in Quebec, while there are 73 in North America. He deplores that several of them, especially more visible fireflies passionate montrealers those present in the United States, are threatened with extinction.

Citizens who want to contribute to the well-being of this species can keep the leaves that fall in the fall. stack them on the flowerbeds after having scraped them.

Because. to prosper, fireflies need humidity, especially because their larvae feed on snails or slugs, thus regulating the population of these invertebrates.

Reducing light pollution by turning off the lights or installing motion detector lights can also give a helping hand. Because too much light prevents males and females from recognizing themselves.

Seeing fireflies is therefore not only good for morale since their presence is “an indicator of a healthy ecosystem. It is not mixing, the fireflies are where there is nature, ”says Etienne Normandin.