CR

Photuris bethaniensis

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Photuris bethaniensis faces severe threats from urban development and light pollution in its limited Pennsylvania range. The species' specialized habitat requirements and small population size make it extremely vulnerable to local extinctions from residential and commercial development. Light pollution from nearby urban areas disrupts the firefly's essential bioluminescent mating displays, reducing reproductive success and population viability.

Threat summary

Habitat

This firefly species inhabits specific woodland edges and meadow margins in southeastern Pennsylvania. It requires particular microhabitat conditions with appropriate vegetation structure and moisture levels for larval development and adult mating activities.

Marine coastal/supratidal· majorWetlands (inland)· majorWetlands (inland) - Bogs, marshes, swamps, fens· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Photuris bethaniensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Photuris bethaniensis is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Photuris bethaniensis faces severe threats from urban development and light pollution in its limited Pennsylvania range. The species' specialized habitat requirements and small population size make it extremely vulnerable to local extinctions from residential and commercial development. Light pollution from nearby urban areas disrupts the firefly's essential bioluminescent mating displays, reducing reproductive success and population viability.
Where does Photuris bethaniensis live?
Photuris bethaniensis occurs in United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Photuris bethaniensis?
The main threats to Photuris bethaniensis are 1.1, 11.1, 11.4, and 12.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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