Pennsylvania Firefly
VU

Pennsylvania Firefly

Photuris pennsylvanica

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photuris_pensylvanica

Overview

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

The Pennsylvania Firefly faces severe population declines primarily due to light pollution from urban development, which disrupts the species' critical bioluminescent mating displays. Habitat fragmentation from agricultural expansion and suburban sprawl has eliminated many of the wet meadows and forest edges essential for larval development. Pesticide use in agricultural areas further threatens both adult fireflies and their prey species, while climate change is altering the timing of emergence and mating seasons.

Threat summary

Habitat

Pennsylvania Fireflies inhabit wet meadows, forest edges, and riparian areas throughout the eastern United States, particularly favoring areas with tall grasses and nearby water sources. The species requires specific moisture conditions for larval development in soil and leaf litter, making them highly dependent on intact wetland ecosystems.

Threatened in Canada

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
EN

Lake Lamprey

Entosphenus macrostoma

Unknown
EN

Nymphaea loriana

Declining
Coregonus huntsmaniCR

Coregonus huntsmani

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Pennsylvania Firefly classified as Vulnerable?
Pennsylvania Firefly is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Pennsylvania Firefly faces severe population declines primarily due to light pollution from urban development, which disrupts the species' critical bioluminescent mating displays. Habitat fragmentation from agricultural expansion and suburban sprawl has eliminated many of the wet meadows and forest edges essential for larval development. Pesticide use in agricultural areas further threatens both adult fireflies and their prey species, while climate change is altering the timing of emergence and mating seasons.
Where does Pennsylvania Firefly live?
Pennsylvania Firefly occurs in Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, and 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 Pennsylvania Firefly?
The main threats to Pennsylvania Firefly are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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