Habitat loss, the increased use of pesticides and light pollution are all factors as to why people are seeing less fireflies ...

Fireflies, or lightning bugs to many of us, are having a good year. In general, firefly populations have declined over the last 100 years, said Megan Abraham, division director and state entomologist ...

It’s the last day of June and I’m standing under the overhang on my back deck protected from the last drips of a rainstorm.

This is a diverse family of beetles. Scientists estimate there are over 170 lightning bug species in North America and 2400 species worldwide. When watching at night, you may notice this diversity.

Pesticides, habitat loss, and light pollution are threatening firefly populations worldwide, but even in urban areas, some lightning bugs continue to shine.

There are more than 40 species of fireflies in Missouri, but their populations have been diminishing over the last few years.

Fireflies vs. lightning bugs While there is shortage of research on these beautiful bugs, there is certainly no shortage of names. "A firefly by any other name would still glow as brightly.