Photo by V. Miller
May 31, 2006
Light Pollution and Fireflies
A Spectral Analysis of the Effects of Light Pollution on the Pennsylvania Firefly
Brendan Dwyer, 14, Northport, N.Y.
Finalist, Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge, 2005
Project background: Recently, entomologists have expressed concern that light pollution may interfere with firefly mating. Fireflies flash to find mates, and an abundance of human-made light may confuse them. Brendan became intrigued by this possibility, but he found little research on the question. Three years ago, he decided to take on the project himself.
Tactics and results: During the first year of his research, Brendan did field studies that deciphered firefly communications. He also measured the highest ambient light in which the bugs could signal. Last year, he built an enclosure for more-controlled experiments. He installed a light platform that produced a range of wavelengths and recorded the response of his fireflies to the entire spectrum. This year, he analyzed wavelengths produced by typical urban lights and by fireflies.
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| Photo by V. Miller |
Brendan discovered that fireflies could signal even in bright light and that the species responded to a wide range of wavelengths. Only one source of urban light—high-pressure sodium bulbs—appeared to interfere with firefly communications.
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