Fireflies of Kanger Valley National Park: Exploring their Floral Associates, faunal relationship, and myths and beliefs

Fireflies, often regarded as the jewels of nature, play a vital role in ecology, medicine, and culture. However, they are currently threatened globally, and minimal ecological research on them has been conducted. This study focuses on the diverse distribution of fireflies, their floral associations and faunal relationships, and the myths surrounding them in Kanger Valley National Park, Jagdalpur, and Chhattisgarh, India. For data collection, we utilized stratified transect random sampling, with specimens being obtained through net-sweeping and hand-picking. We examined the relationship between fireflies and various plant species for resting, courtship, and mating, while considering secondary parameters such as the humidity, temperature, altitude, and moon phase. Our documentation of faunal relationships indicates that bush cricket frogs exhibit attraction to the bioluminescence that is produced by fireflies; however, they tend to avoid consuming them. A questionnaire was also administered to understand the cultural significance of fireflies among Indigenous tribal communities in the area. The research identified a single firefly species, Abscondita perplexa, during the observation period, revealing various morphs that were previously misidentified as Abscondita terminalis and Abscondita chinensis. Fireflies are seen as indicators of a healthy environment and are known by various names among local Indigenous communities, such as "chirkup minal" in the Dhurwa community. Understanding their bio-ecology can aid in the development of techniques for research and ecotourism, as well as enhance conservation efforts for these important species.