Fireflies glowing in S.C., but conservation needed
Results from the 2013 firefly count are in. There’s a steady glow in many parts of the state, but Clemson researchers say conservation efforts are needed. The goal of the program is to collect data over several years from different habitats to determine the population trend of fireflies. Because of urban development and changes in forestry practices, fireflies are fewer and harder to find in some communities and along the coast. Next year, researchers say, the project looks to add an Android smartphone app, expand the survey to other states, maybe other countries, and recruit more citizen-scientists.