Latest news with #Pteroptyx
The Sun
04-07-2025
- Science
- The Sun
FRIM leads firefly conservation efforts in Malaysia amid population decline
KUALA LUMPUR: The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) is spearheading critical research to conserve the country's dwindling firefly population. Under its Fauna Biodiversity Programme, scientists are addressing threats like habitat loss, pollution, and climate change to protect these bioluminescent insects. Programme head Dr Nada Badruddin highlighted multiple environmental pressures endangering fireflies, including riverbank erosion, waste pollution, and artificial light disrupting mating signals. 'Climate change further risks their survival through floods, droughts, and temperature shifts,' she said in a statement marking World Firefly Day. Key research focuses on the Pteroptyx tener species in Sungai Selangor, where lab breeding studies revealed the larval stage as the longest in their lifecycle. Findings emphasized the importance of natural riverbank vegetation beyond just berembang trees (Sonneratia caseolaris). Snail availability as larval food and suitable egg-laying sites were also identified as critical habitat needs. Long-term monitoring from 2006 to 2023 showed a 22.7% population decline by 2021, though recent recovery signs were noted. Nada credited improved river management and a Protection Zone gazetted by Lembaga Urus Air Selangor (LUAS) for this positive trend. A replanting project in Tanjung Beluntas near Kampung Kuantan also saw gradual firefly resurgence. These efforts informed the *Sungai Selangor Firefly Conservation Action Plan 2022–2030*, now integrated into LUAS's basin management strategy. The plan promotes controlled development, eco-tourism, community involvement, and sustainable funding. 'Science-based collaboration proves firefly conservation is achievable,' Nada affirmed, underscoring stakeholder engagement as vital for lasting impact. - Bernama
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists stunned after discovering rare firefly in unexpected location: 'I knew something was different'
Scientists have discovered a firefly that was previously classified as another species is actually a rare Gombak bent-winged firefly. Wan Faridah Akmal Jusoh, a leading entomologist and senior lecturer at Monash University Malaysia's School of Science, spearheaded this work. She found the specimen with her research assistant, Tan Wei Jack, in October, per FMT Lifestyle. Not only is this the third known specimen of this firefly species in existence, but Wan Faridah and Tan also found it in a surprising place. It was discovered in Bukit Kiara, a forested area in Kuala Lumpur. It was originally thought to be another genus of firefly. One of its features didn't fit the profile, though. "That was the moment I knew something was different," Tan said. "Based on the knowledge I had at the time, I thought that fireflies from the genus Pteroptyx only lived in mangroves. As it turns out, this is the first bent-winged Pteroptyx found outside of mangroves." This is also the first specimen of the Gombak bent-winged firefly to have been found in 90 years. Wan Faridah identified the second such specimen, collected in 1935, in 2019. The discovery sparks hope for the diverse ecosystems in Malaysia. Even though firefires are small, Wan Faridah explained in a TED talk in 2023 that they "are so much more than just pretty lights." "They are an essential part of a healthy ecosystem. The life cycle of fireflies keeps the ecosystem balanced. Each firefly species, in each indicative life stage, has specific needs for habitat to thrive," Wan Faridah said. In other words, if fireflies disappeared, it could lead to more significant disruptions down the line, possibly contributing to food insecurity as the agricultural pests they usually chow down on lose their natural predators and begin to wreak havoc. Good Good Good suggests a few ways you can take action to protect fireflies no matter where you are. Avoiding pesticides and weed killers as well as planting native species is a great place to start. Reducing your use of artificial light, especially at night, can also help fireflies and nocturnal animals that rely on the light of stars and the moon to navigate. Leaving leaves alone after they fall can also keep fireflies' habitats intact and help many other insects and animals. Do you think we use too much plastic in America? Definitely Only some people Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. As for the Gombak bent-winged firefly, Wan Faridah suggested that spreading the word about the unique creature might help inspire people to take action to protect it. "What worries me is that we don't know whether we have found the Gombak bent-winged firefly at the brink of extinction. So, we are racing against time now," she said, per FMT Lifestyle. "Every species rediscovered is proof that extinction isn't inevitable, but it does require effort. If more people know about these fireflies, maybe more will be done to protect their habitats." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Rakyat Post
09-06-2025
- Science
- Rakyat Post
A Rare Firefly Rediscovered In Bukit Kiara After A Century
Subscribe to our FREE A firefly species not seen for over a century has been Tan Wei Jack, a master's student in environmental science at Monash University Malaysia and a research assistant, stumbled upon the rare insect on 23 October 2023 while surveying fireflies in the area. Initially, Tan believed the firefly belonged to a group known as Colophotia. But something about its appearance stood out. Intrigued, he took microscope images of the specimen and shared them with his academic supervisor, Dr Wan Faridah Akmal Jusoh. After closer analysis, they discovered it wasn't from the Colophotia genus. It was identified as a bent-winged firefly from the genus Pteroptyx — specifically Pteroptyx gombakia, also known as the Gombak bent-winged firefly. Photo: Monash University Malaysia This species was last recorded in 1921 at Genting Sempah in Gombak, Selangor. Its name, gombakia, was inspired by the location where it was first collected. The species was officially named in 2015 by Australian entomologist Lesly Ballantyne, who came across a preserved specimen at the Natural History Museum in London. Excited by the rediscovery, Tan and Dr Faridah, a firefly taxonomist and senior lecturer in biodiversity and conservation, returned to Bukit Kiara to gather more data. 'Whenever we saw their flashing lights at twilight, we would catch the fireflies, study their features, note their species, and let them go,' Tan said. What makes this find especially surprising is its location. Pteroptyx fireflies are typically found in mangrove forests and are famous for flashing in synchronized displays. Yet here was a bent-winged Pteroptyx thriving in a hill park — a first of its kind. Dr Faridah believes this could mean that the species is more adaptable than previously thought. However, unlike its mangrove cousins, P. gombakia doesn't seem to gather in large groups. This unusual behaviour has sparked new research efforts. Dr Faridah is concerned that P. gombakia may be teetering on the edge of extinction. She noted that threats such as habitat loss due to urban development and artificial night lighting are major challenges, as they interfere with the fireflies' light-based communication. Despite the risks, Dr Faridah remains hopeful. The question remains: will this rare firefly continue to glow in the dark, or will it vanish once more into history? Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Sinar Daily
08-06-2025
- Science
- Sinar Daily
Rare firefly species discovered in Bukit Kiara forest enclave
KUALA LUMPUR - Discovering something rare is exciting but it becomes truly memorable when it happens unexpectedly. That was exactly the case for Tan Wei Jack, 24, a research assistant and master's student in environmental science at Monash University Malaysia. He never imagined that a routine firefly survey at Taman Persekutuan Bukit Kiara here on Oct 23 last year, would lead to the unintentional "rediscovery' of a rare species last seen in Malaysia a century ago. Of the nine Pteroptyx species found in mangrove forests, four have been listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. - Bernama photo His discovery - Pteroptyx gombakia (P. gombakia) or the Gombak bent-winged firefly - turned out to be the third known specimen of this particular species, and marked the ninth known firefly species identified in the Bukit Kiara urban forest, Malaysia's first federal park which is managed by the National Landscape Department. P. gombakia was officially named in 2015 by entomologist Lesly Ballantyne at the Natural History Museum in London, based on the first specimen of the species collected in 1921 from the area now known as Genting Sempah in Gombak, Selangor. Tan said the firefly specimen he collected last October was initially assumed to be of a species from the genus Colophotia, which is commonly found in Bukit Kiara. But later when he examined it closely on Jan 9, it looked different. "So I took some photos through the microscope and sent them to my academic supervisor Dr Wan Faridah (Akmal Jusoh). After discussions, we found out it was actually a bent-winged P. gombakia (from a different genus),' he told Bernama recently. Tan said he, together with Dr Wan Faridah - a firefly taxonomist and senior lecturer in Biodiversity and Conservation at Monash University Malaysia - returned to Bukit Kiara to do more research. "Whenever we saw their flashing lights (usually at twilight), we would catch the fireflies, observe their features, record their species and then release them,' he said. MANGROVE SPECIES According to Wan Faridah, who is also the co-chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission Firefly Specialist Group, P. gombakia belongs to the genus Pteroptyx, which is usually found in mangrove habitats and known for its synchronous flashing displays in large congregations. She added there is a group of Pteroptyx called 'bent-winged' fireflies, named after their folded wings, which are also mostly found in mangroves. She said she was surprised when Tan showed her the specimen collected from the Bukit Kiara urban forest as it was "the first bent-winged Pteroptyx ever found outside of mangroves'. "This suggests that the species can actually survive outside that ecosystem,' she told Bernama. Wan Faridah also said she did not realise Tan's specimen was the bent-winged Pteroptyx until she examined its microscopic images. "The difference (between P. gombakia and the more common Colophotia) was spotted in the (P. gombakia) firefly's light-producing organ called the 'lantern', which is located in the insect's abdomen,' she said. She explained both P. gombakia and Colophotia have bipartite light organs, meaning the structure is divided into two distinct sections. However, P. gombakia lacks a median carina, a ridge that separates the organ into two halves. "Indeed, it's truly magical we have this rare group of fireflies living in the heart of our city,' she said. She also said out of the 14 known bent-winged Pteroptyx species, nine are found in mangrove ecosystems. The habitats of the remaining species, including P. gombakia, remain unclear due to a lack of ecological data. TYPES OF FIREFLIES Fireflies belong to Lampyridae, a family of insects within the Coleoptera order, which includes bioluminescent beetles. Wan Faridah said globally, more than 2,600 firefly species have been identified. In Malaysia, over 60 species have been documented so far, with at least 10 of them found in mangrove swamps. She said one of the main characteristics distinguishing territorial fireflies from mangrove forest fireflies is their behaviour: the former typically fly alone while the latter - also known as congregating fireflies - gather and display their light in groups. Of the nine Pteroptyx species found in mangrove forests, four have been listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. "Usually, two to three species can be found congregating in a single mangrove tree, and these insects require suitable water levels and temperatures to ensure the survival of their species,' she said. Wan Faridah noted that most fireflies found flying in both mangrove and terrestrial habitats are males while some females are flightless, remaining on the ground while the males fly and use light signals to locate and attract them. While congregating fireflies in mangrove swamps are well-known as ecotourism attractions in Malaysia, Wan Faridah said solitary fireflies also exist in other forest types. The Bukit Kiara urban forest, for instance, is now home to nine firefly species, including Lamprigera - the world's largest female firefly species - and the latest discovery P. gombakia. EXTINCTION Wan Faridah said unlike most Pteroptyx species, the bent-winged firefly species recently discovered in Bukit Kiara does not appear to congregate in large numbers. "We don't have enough data about this species and we still have many unanswered questions. "What worries us is that we may have discovered a species (P. gombakia) which is on the brink of extinction. So currently, we are racing against time to find the answers,' she said. According to Wan Faridah, threats to P. gombakia include habitat loss due to urban development and artificial lighting at night, which causes light pollution and disrupts the flashing signals fireflies use to communicate with each other. "Every rediscovered firefly species is evidence that extinction is possible but it can still be prevented if we act. "If more people become aware of these endangered fireflies, perhaps more efforts will be made to protect their habitats,' she said. Wan Faridah also said despite the potential of fireflies as ecotourism assets, one of the main challenges for researchers in Malaysia is the lack of a proper species inventory and natural history collection, which would serve as a valuable archive of insect diversity. She said research on fireflies in Malaysia is limited, making conservation efforts more difficult. "I had no intention of becoming an entomologist until I discovered kelip-kelip (fireflies) in 2006 during a final year project field trip to Kampung Sepetang, Perak, when I was an environmental science undergraduate at Universiti Putra Malaysia. "I became curious and told my supervisor I wanted to study fireflies... but due to the lack of local studies (on fireflies), I had to start from scratch - building my own database by collecting species across Malaysia,' she said, adding her research focuses not only on biodiversity but also on the natural heritage of fireflies. She also pointed out that due to colonial-era practices, many specimens originally from Malaysia are now stored in foreign institutions. "Due to the lack of facilities in Malaysia, as part of my research projects, I need to travel to countries like the Netherlands, France and England to visit their natural history museums to compare reference specimens of fireflies that were collected during the colonial era,' she said. She added that the process of recognising and verifying new firefly discoveries takes at least two years, and requires both funding and facilities. "In Malaysia, very few firefly studies have been carried out. Even when discoveries are made, it is difficult for us to confirm whether they are new or just duplicates of existing species,' she said. Wan Faridah also hopes to build an extensive species database and discover new species of fireflies. "I want to reconstruct the data so we can have a comprehensive list of what species we actually have here in Malaysia. "My goal is to develop a national species inventory so that future generations who want to study fireflies can refer to it, so we can continue the legacy of protecting Malaysia's firefly biodiversity,' she said. - BERNAMA
Barnama
04-06-2025
- General
- Barnama
Rare Firefly Species Discovered In Bukit Kiara Forest Enclave
D iscovering something rare is exciting but it becomes truly memorable when it happens unexpectedly. That was exactly the case for Tan Wei Jack, 24, a research assistant and master's student in environmental science at Monash University Malaysia. He never imagined that a routine firefly survey at Taman Persekutuan Bukit Kiara here on Oct 23 last year, would lead to the unintentional 'rediscovery' of a rare species last seen in Malaysia a century ago. His discovery – Pteroptyx gombakia (P. gombakia) or the Gombak bent-winged firefly – turned out to be the third known specimen of this particular species, and marked the ninth known firefly species identified in the Bukit Kiara urban forest, Malaysia's first federal park which is managed by the National Landscape Department. P. gombakia was officially named in 2015 by entomologist Lesly Ballantyne at the Natural History Museum in London, based on the first specimen of the species collected in 1921 from the area now known as Genting Sempah in Gombak, Selangor. Tan said the firefly specimen he collected last October was initially assumed to be of a species from the genus Colophotia, which is commonly found in Bukit Kiara. But later when he examined it closely on Jan 9, it looked different. 'So I took some photos through the microscope and sent them to my academic supervisor Dr Wan Faridah (Akmal Jusoh). After discussions, we found out it was actually a bent-winged P. gombakia (from a different genus),' he told Bernama recently. Tan said he, together with Dr Wan Faridah – a firefly taxonomist and senior lecturer in Biodiversity and Conservation at Monash University Malaysia – returned to Bukit Kiara to do more research. 'Whenever we saw their flashing lights (usually at twilight), we would catch the fireflies, observe their features, record their species and then release them,' he said. MANGROVE SPECIES According to Wan Faridah, who is also the co-chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission Firefly Specialist Group, P. gombakia belongs to the genus Pteroptyx, which is usually found in mangrove habitats and known for its synchronous flashing displays in large congregations. She added there is a group of Pteroptyx called 'bent-winged' fireflies, named after their folded wings, which are also mostly found in mangroves. She said she was surprised when Tan showed her the specimen collected from the Bukit Kiara urban forest as it was 'the first bent-winged Pteroptyx ever found outside of mangroves'. 'This suggests that the species can actually survive outside that ecosystem,' she told Bernama. Wan Faridah also said she did not realise Tan's specimen was the bent-winged Pteroptyx until she examined its microscopic images. 'The difference (between P. gombakia and the more common Colophotia) was spotted in the (P. gombakia) firefly's light-producing organ called the 'lantern', which is located in the insect's abdomen,' she said. She explained both P. gombakia and Colophotia have bipartite light organs, meaning the structure is divided into two distinct sections. However, P. gombakia lacks a median carina, a ridge that separates the organ into two halves. 'Indeed, it's truly magical we have this rare group of fireflies living in the heart of our city,' she said. She also said out of the 14 known bent-winged Pteroptyx species, nine are found in mangrove ecosystems. The habitats of the remaining species, including P. gombakia, remain unclear due to a lack of ecological data. TYPES OF FIREFLIES Fireflies belong to Lampyridae, a family of insects within the Coleoptera order, which includes bioluminescent beetles. Wan Faridah said globally, more than 2,600 firefly species have been identified. In Malaysia, over 60 species have been documented so far, with at least 10 of them found in mangrove swamps. She said one of the main characteristics distinguishing territorial fireflies from mangrove forest fireflies is their behaviour: the former typically fly alone while the latter – also known as congregating fireflies – gather and display their light in groups. Of the nine Pteroptyx species found in mangrove forests, four have been listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 'Usually, two to three species can be found congregating in a single mangrove tree, and these insects require suitable water levels and temperatures to ensure the survival of their species,' she said. Wan Faridah noted that most fireflies found flying in both mangrove and terrestrial habitats are males while some females are flightless, remaining on the ground while the males fly and use light signals to locate and attract them. While congregating fireflies in mangrove swamps are well-known as ecotourism attractions in Malaysia, Wan Faridah said solitary fireflies also exist in other forest types. The Bukit Kiara urban forest, for instance, is now home to nine firefly species, including Lamprigera – the world's largest female firefly species – and the latest discovery P. gombakia. EXTINCTION Wan Faridah said unlike most Pteroptyx species, the bent-winged firefly species recently discovered in Bukit Kiara does not appear to congregate in large numbers. 'We don't have enough data about this species and we still have many unanswered questions. 'What worries us is that we may have discovered a species (P. gombakia) which is on the brink of extinction. So currently, we are racing against time to find the answers,' she said. According to Wan Faridah, threats to P. gombakia include habitat loss due to urban development and artificial lighting at night, which causes light pollution and disrupts the flashing signals fireflies use to communicate with each other. 'Every rediscovered firefly species is evidence that extinction is possible but it can still be prevented if we act. 'If more people become aware of these endangered fireflies, perhaps more efforts will be made to protect their habitats,' she said. Wan Faridah also said despite the potential of fireflies as ecotourism assets, one of the main challenges for researchers in Malaysia is the lack of a proper species inventory and natural history collection, which would serve as a valuable archive of insect diversity. She said research on fireflies in Malaysia is limited, making conservation efforts more difficult. 'I had no intention of becoming an entomologist until I discovered kelip-kelip (fireflies) in 2006 during a final year project field trip to Kampung Sepetang, Perak, when I was an environmental science undergraduate at Universiti Putra Malaysia. 'I became curious and told my supervisor I wanted to study fireflies… but due to the lack of local studies (on fireflies), I had to start from scratch – building my own database by collecting species across Malaysia,' she said, adding her research focuses not only on biodiversity but also on the natural heritage of fireflies. She also pointed out that due to colonial-era practices, many specimens originally from Malaysia are now stored in foreign institutions. 'Due to the lack of facilities in Malaysia, as part of my research projects, I need to travel to countries like the Netherlands, France and England to visit their natural history museums to compare reference specimens of fireflies that were collected during the colonial era,' she said. She added that the process of recognising and verifying new firefly discoveries takes at least two years, and requires both funding and facilities. 'In Malaysia, very few firefly studies have been carried out. Even when discoveries are made, it is difficult for us to confirm whether they are new or just duplicates of existing species,' she said. Wan Faridah also hopes to build an extensive species database and discover new species of fireflies. 'I want to reconstruct the data so we can have a comprehensive list of what species we actually have here in Malaysia. 'My goal is to develop a national species inventory so that future generations who want to study fireflies can refer to it, so we can continue the legacy of protecting Malaysia's firefly biodiversity,' she said.
