Fireflies and land use in an urban landscape: the case of Luciola italica L. (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) in the city of Turin

The impact of artificial light at night on nocturnal insects: A review and synthesis

“…However, the crepuscular species Aspisoma lineatum and Bicellonychia lividipennis were found signaling near sodium vapor lamps, in areas with illumination measuring 0.85 and 4.5 lux, respectively; note that B. lividipennis emerges early in the evening when ambient light levels (without ALAN) reach about 4.5 lux. Similarly, surveys of Luciola italica in Turin, Italy, have found populations concentrated in dimly illuminated areas, with a negative correlation between firefly abundance and certain indices of urbanization (Picchi et al, ). In descriptive studies such as these, the effects of ALAN are confounded by many other variables associated with urbanization.…”

The biological impacts of artificial light at night: the research challenge

“…[20][21][22][23]). Numerous studies have also been published that demonstrate such impacts (for recent examples, see [24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31]). However, understanding the genuine severity of the problem is both challenging and timely: with the large scale and rapid introduction of LED lights and the use of 'smart illumination 0 [16], we now have the opportunity to adjust ALAN to reduce any negative environmental impacts provided that there is a good understanding of the effects of both intensity and spectral composition of ALAN.…”

Awareness and Priorities for the Future

“…Urban glowworm beetles ( Lampyridae ) in Turin, Italy, have been monitored through a project promoted by the 'Park of Living Art', combining the interests of artists and biologists (Picchi et al 2013 ). Eighteen areas in the city were used to monitor fl ashing fi refl ies ( Luciola italica ) counted on nocturnal (ca 2200-2400 h) transect walk inspections, with the site features documented during daylight.…”