Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Fireflies in Southeast Asia: knowledge gaps, entomotourism and conservation

  • Review Paper
  • Published:
Biodiversity and Conservation Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Estuarine fireflies from the genus Pteroptyx congregate in the thousands in estuaries throughout Southeast Asia where they engage one another in nocturnal, pre-mating displays of rhythmic flashing throughout the year. They also contribute to a popular form of wildlife tourism called entomotourism that has drawn thousands to the region annually. Despite our best efforts to conserve and protect them, indications are that both their numbers and habitats have been declining. In this article we undertook the task of reviewing/reassessing the body of scientific work on Pteroptyx spp. in the region to synthesise all that is known on this iconic species and to identify information gaps in their biology and ecology. We then identified practical and/or actionable solutions to protect this iconic species, which included relying on state and federal laws to protect these charismatic species and the need for state and federal authorities to either develop or refine guidelines and policies on tourism development in the country/region. The perspectives detailed here may be useful to other regions where congregating fireflies occur.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ballantyne L (1987) Further revisional studies on the firefly genus Pteroptyx Olivier (Coleoptera: lampyridae: luciolinae:luciolini. Trans Am Entomol Soc 113:117–170

    Google Scholar 

  • Ballantyne L (1987) Lucioline morphology, taxonomy and behaviour: A reappraisal (Coleoptera, Llampyridae. Trans Am Entomol Soc 113:171–188

    Google Scholar 

  • Ballantyne L, Lambkin C (2013) Systematics and phylogenetics of Indo-Pacific Luciolinae fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) and the description of new genera. Zootaxa 3653:1–148. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3653.1.1

  • Ballantyne L, Mclean M (1970) Revisional studies on the firefly genus Pteroptyx Olivier (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae: Luciolini). Trans Am Entomol Soc 96:223–305

    Google Scholar 

  • Ballantyne LA, Menayah R (2002) A description of larvae and redescription of adults of the firefly Pteroptyx valida Olivier in Selangor, Malaysia (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae), with notes on Luciolinae larvae. Raffles Bull Zool 50:101–109

    Google Scholar 

  • Ballantyne R, Packer J, Hughes K (2009) Tourists’ support for conservation messages and sustainable management practices in wildlife tourism experiences. Tour Manag 30:658–664. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2008.11.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ballantyne R, Packer J, Falk J (2011) Visitors’ learning for environmental sustainability: testing short- and long-term impacts of wildlife tourism experiences using structural equation modelling. Tour Manag 32:1243–1252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2010.11.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ballantyne L, Fu XH, Shih CH, et al (2011a) Pteroptyx maipo Ballantyne, a new species of bent-winged firefly (coleopteran: Lampyridae) from Hong Kong, and its relevance to firefly biology and conservation. Zootaxa 34: 8-34. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.2931.1.2

  • Ballantyne L, Lambkin CL, Boontop Y, Jusoh WFA (2015) Revisional studies on the luciolinae fireflies of Asia (Coleoptera: Lampyridae): 1. The genus Pyrophanes Olivier with two new species. 2. Four new species of Pteroptyx Olivier and 3. A new genus Inflata Boontop, with redescription of Luciola indica (Motsc Zootaxa 3959:1-83. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3959.1.1.

  • Bird S, Parker J (2014) Low levels of light pollution may block the ability of male glow-worms (Lampyris noctiluca L.) to locate females. J Insect Conserv 18:737–743. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-014-9664-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blackstock K (2005) A critical look at community based tourism. Community Dev J 40:39–49. https://doi.org/10.1093/cdj/bsi005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Branham M, Wenzel J (2003) The origin of photic behavior and the evolution of sexual communication in fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae). Cladistics 19:1–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0748-3007(02)00131-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buck J, Buck E (1968) Mechanism of rhythmic synchronous flashing of fireflies. Science 159:1319–1327. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.159.3821.1319

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Buck J, Buck E (1980) Flash synchronization as tool and as enabler in firefly courtship competition. Am Nat 116:591–593

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buck J, Buck E, Hanson FE et al (1981) Control of flashing in fireflies - IV. Free run pacemaking in a synchronic Pteroptyx. J Comp Physiol A 144:277–286. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00612559

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buckley R (2002) Tourism and biodiversity in North and South. Tour Recreat Res 27:43–51. https://doi.org/10.1080/02508281.2002.11081355

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Case JF (1980) Courting behavior in a synchronously flashing aggregative firefly, Pteroptyx tener. Biol Bull 159:613–625

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cheng S, Munian K, Sek-Aun T et al (2019) Mitochondrial DNA diversity and gene flow in Southeast Asian populations of the synchronously flashing firefly, Pteroptyx tener Olivier (Coleoptera: Lampyridae). Orient Insects 54:175–196. https://doi.org/10.1080/00305316.2019.1600594

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chey VK (2004) Fireflies of sungai klias and their display trees. Sepilok Bull 1:67–69

    Google Scholar 

  • Copeland J, Moiseff A (1997) Intensity modulation and “silent counting” in a Southeast Asian synchronously flashing firefly. Biotropica 29:126–128. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-7429.1997.tb00015.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Copeland J, Moiseff A (1997) The effect of flash duration and flash shape on entrainment in Pteroptyx malaccae, a synchronic Southeast Asian firefly. J Insect Physiol 43:965–971. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-1910(97)00034-6

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dawood MM, Saikim FH (2016) Studies on congregating fireflies (Coleoptera; Lampyridae; Pteroptyx sp.) in Sabah, Malaysia: a review. Journal of Tropical Biology and Conservation 13:13–25

    Google Scholar 

  • Dawood MM, Jeperi SR, Saikim FH (2018) Notes on congregating fireflies (Coleoptera, Lampyridae) of Binsulok River, Sabah. Journal of Tropical Biology and Conservation 15:155–62

    Google Scholar 

  • Department of Environment, Malaysia (2010) Annual Report. Department of Environment, Malaysia, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

    Google Scholar 

  • Diffendorfer JE, Loomis JB, Ries L et al (2014) National valuation of monarch butterflies indicates an untapped potential for incentive-based conservation. Conserv Lett 7:253–262. https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.12065

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eichenwald AJ, Evans MJ, Malcom JW (2020) US imperiled species are most vulnerable to habitat loss on private lands. Front Ecol Environ. https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.2177

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ermentrout B (1991) An adaptive model for synchrony in the firefly Pteroptyx malaccae. J Math Biol 29:571–585

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Firebaugh A, Haynes KJ (2016) Experimental tests of light-pollution impacts on nocturnal insect courtship and dispersal. Oecologia 182:1203–1211. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00442-016-3723-1

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Foo K, Dawood MM (2016) Short notes on fireflies of Sungai Kawang, Sabah. J Trop Biol Conserv 13:125–128

    Google Scholar 

  • Foo K, Dawood MM (2017) Diversity of Pteroptyx fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) and their display trees at Klias Peninsula, Sabah, Malaysia. J Trop Biol Conserv 14:95–103

    Google Scholar 

  • Foo K, Seelan JSS, Dawood MM (2017) Microfungi associated with Pteroptyx bearni (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) eggs and larvae from Kawang River, Sabah (Northern Borneo). Insects 8:66. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects8030066

    Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Fu XH, Ballantyne L (2008) Taxonomy and behaviour of lucioline fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae) with redefinition and new species of Pygoluciola Wittmer from mainland China and review of Luciola LaPorte. Zootaxa 44:1–44. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.1733.1.1

  • Geyh MA, Kudrass HR, Streif H (1979) Sea-level changes during the late Pleistocene and Holocene in the Strait of Malacca. Nature 278:441–443. https://doi.org/10.1038/278441a0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gustafsson KM, Agrawal AA, Lewenstein BV, Wolf SA (2015) The monarch butterfly through time and space: the social construction of an icon. Bioscience 65:612–622. https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biv045

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hall CM (1996) [1991] Introduction to Tourism in Australia: Impacts. Planning and Development, Addison, Wesley and Longman, Melbourne, Australia

    Google Scholar 

  • Hall M (2013) Glow-worm tourism in Australia and New Zealand: Commodifying and conserving charismatic micro-fauna. In: Lemelin RH (ed) The management of insects in recreation and tourism. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, pp 217–232

    Google Scholar 

  • Hanson FE, Case JF, Buck E, Buck J (1971) Synchrony and flash entrainment in a New Guinea firefly. Science 174:161–164

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • High Conservation Values Malaysia Toolkit Steering Committee (2018) Malaysian national interpretation for the identification of high conservation values. Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, p 96

  • Jusoh WFA, Hashim NR (2012) The effect of habitat modification on firefly populations at the Rembau-Linggi estuary, Peninsular. Lampyrid 2:149–155

    Google Scholar 

  • Jusoh WFAW, Hashim NR, Ibrahim ZZ (2010) Firefly distribution and abundance on mangrove vegetation assemblages in Sepetang estuary, Peninsular Malaysia. Wetl Ecol Manag 18:367–373. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11273-009-9172-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jusoh W, Hashim N, Ibrahim Z (2010) Distribution and abundance of Pteroptyx fireflies in Rembau-Linggi Estuary, Peninsular Malaysia. EnvironmentAsia 3:56–60

    Google Scholar 

  • Jusoh WFA, Hashim NR, Sääksjärvi IE, et al (2014) Species delineation of Malaysian mangrove fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) using DNA Barcodes. 68:703–711

  • Jusoh WFA, Ballantyne L, Lambkin CL, et al (2018) The firefly genus Pteroptyx Olivier revisited (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae)

  • Karns DR, O’Bannon A, Voris HK, Weigt LA (2000) Biogeographical implications of mitochondrial DNA variation in the Bockadam snake (Cerberus rynchops, Serpentes: Homalopsinae) in Southeast Asia. J Biogeogr 27:391–402. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2699.2000.00417.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khoo V, Kirton LG, Badruddin N (2016) Firefly conservation: Monitoring the synchronous fireflies of the Selangor River in Malaysia. Antenna 40:46–51

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirton LG, Nada B, Khoo V, Phon CK (2012) Monitoring populations of bioluminescent organisms using digital night photography and image analysis: a case study of the fireflies of the Selangor River, Malaysia. Insect Conserv Divers 5:244–250. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-4598.2011.00157.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koh E, Fakfare P (2019) Overcoming “over-tourism”: the closure of Maya Bay. Int J Tour Cities 6:279–296. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJTC-02-2019-0023

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koh LP, Wich SA (2012) Dawn of drone ecology: low-cost autonomous aerial vehicles for conservation. Trop Conserv Sci 5:121–132. https://doi.org/10.1177/194008291200500202

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • National Physical Plan (2005) Kuala Lumpur: Federal Department of Town and Country Planning, Ministry of Housing and Local Government. 26 April 2005. pp 183

  • Environmental Quality Act (1974) Laws of Malaysia. Incorporating all amendments up to 1 January, 2006. Date of Royal Assent: 8 March 1974. Date of Publication in the Gazette, 14 March 1974.

  • Wildlife Conservation Act (2010) Laws of Malaysia. Incorporating all amendments up to 18 April 2014. Date of Royal Assent: 21 Oct 2010. Date of Publication in the Gazette: 4 Nov 2010.

  • Lemelin RH, Boileau EYS, Russell C (2019) Entomotourism: the allure of the arthropod. Soc Anim 27:733–750. https://doi.org/10.1163/15685306-00001830

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leong KH, Tan LLB, Mustafa AM (2007) Contamination levels of selected organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides in the Selangor River, Malaysia between 2002 and 2003. 66:1153–1159.

  • Lewis SM, Cratsley CK, Rooney JA (2004) Nuptial gifts and sexual selection in Photinus fireflies. Integr Comp Biol 44:234–237. https://doi.org/10.1093/icb/44.3.234

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lewis SM, Wong CH, Owens ACS et al (2020) A global perspective on firefly extinction threats. Bioscience 70:157–167. https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biz157

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liew TS, Schilthuizen M (2014) Association between shell morphology of micro-land snails (genus Plectostoma) and their predator’s predatory behaviour. PeerJ. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.329

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Lloyd JE (1973) Model for the mating protocol of synchronously flashing fireflies. Nature 245:268–270. https://doi.org/10.1038/246421a0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lloyd JE, Wing SR, Hongtrakul T (1989) Ecology, flashes, and behavior of congregating Thai fireflies. Biotropica 21:373. https://doi.org/10.2307/2388290

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Loomboot S, Jamornmarn S, Chunkao K, Chongrattanameteekul W (2007) The biology and rearing of firefly Pteroptyx malaccae. Environ Nat Resour J 5:35–43

    Google Scholar 

  • Mahsol H, Dawood M, Ghani M (2007) The distribution and phenology of Pteroptyx fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) along Garama River, Sabah, Malaysia. J Trop Biol Conserv 3:1–9

    Google Scholar 

  • Majlis Daerah Kuala Selangor (2013) Rancangan Tempatan Majlis Daerah Kuala Selangor 2025. Kuala Selangor. pp 200

  • Nada B, Kirton LG (2004) The secret life of fireflies. IRBM Updates (3): 2-4

  • Nallakumar K (2003) The synchronously flashing aggregative fireflies of Peninsular Malaysia. Biodiversity 4:11–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/14888386.2003.9712684

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • National Heritage Act (2005) Incorporating all amendments up to 1 June 2006. Laws of Malaysia. Date of Royal Assent: 30 December 2005. Date of Publication in the Gazette, 31 December 2005.

  • Oliver I, Smith PL, Lunt I, Parkes D (2002) Pre-1750 vegetation, naturalness and vegetation condition: what are the implications for biodiversity conservation? Ecol Manag Restor 3:176–178. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1442-8903.2002.00110.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pandit S, Choudhury BC (2001) Factors affecting pollinator visitation and reproductive success in Sonneratia caseolaris and Aegiceras corniculatum in a mangrove forest in India. J Trop Ecol 17:431–447. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0266467401001298

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parkes D, Newell G, Cheal D (2003) Assessing the quality of native vegetation: the “habitat hectares” approach. Ecol Manag Restor 4:29–38. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1442-8903.4.s.4.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pimm SL, Alibhai S, Bergl R et al (2015) Emerging technologies to conserve biodiversity. Trends Ecol Evol 30:685–696. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2015.08.008

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Populus J (2019) Use of Lidar for coastal habitat mapping. http://www.coastalwiki.org/wiki/Use_of_Lidar_for_coastal_habitat_mapping. Accessed 5 May 2020

  • Prasertkul T (2018) Characteristics of pteroptyx firefly congregations in a human dominated habitat. J Insect Behav 31:436–457. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10905-018-9687-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rashid NRNA, Rahman NIA, Khalid SA (2014) Environmental corporate social responsibility (ECSR) as a strategic marketing initiatives. Procedia Soc Behav Sci 130:499–508. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.04.058

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ridley M (1988) Mating frequency and fecundity in insects. Biol Rev 63:509–549. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-185x.1988.tb00669.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Selangor Waters Management Authority Enactment (1999) Selangor State Legislative Assembly. Date of Gazette, 9 April 1999.

  • Shahwahid HOM, Iqbal MNM, Amira AM et al (2013) Assessing service quality of community-based ecotourism : a case study from Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park. J Trop Forest Sci 25(1):22–33

    Google Scholar 

  • Sodhi NS, Peh KSH, Lee TM et al (2003) Artificial nest and seed predation experiments on tropical southeast Asian islands. Biodivers Conserv 12:2415–2433. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1025852214528

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sriboonlert A, Swatdipong A, Wonnapinij P et al (2015) New record of Pteroptyx tener Olivier (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae) in Thailand. Coleopt Bull 69:332–336. https://doi.org/10.1649/0010-065x-69.2.332

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Taki H, Yamaura Y, Okabe K, Maeto K (2011) Plantation vs. natural forest: Matrix quality determines pollinator abundance in crop fields. Sci Rep 1:1–4. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep00132

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tisdell C, Wilson C (2012) Nature-based tourism and conservation: Glow-worms and other insects entice tourists. Edward Elgar, Cheltenham, UK, pp 402–430

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Van Breemen MTJ (2008) Salt intrusion in the Selangor estuary in Malaysia: Model study with Delft3D. Master of Science thesis. University of Twente, The Netherlands, p 127

  • Van Der Borg J, Costa P, Gotti G (1996) Tourism in European heritage cities. Ann Tour Res 23:306–321. https://doi.org/10.1016/0160-7383(95)00065-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Voris HK (2000) Maps of Pleistocene sea levels in Southeast Asia: Shorelines, river systems and time durations. J Biogeogr 27:1153–1167. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2699.2000.00489.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walters BB (2000) Local mangrove planting in the philippines: are fisherfolk and fishpond owners effective restorationists? Restor Ecol 8:237–246. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1526-100X.2000.80035.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wan Juliana WA, Shahril MH, Nik Abdul Rahman NA et al (2012) Vegetation profile of the firefly habitat along the riparian zones of Sungai Selangor at Kampung Kuantan, Kuala Selangor. Malaysian Appl Biol 41:55–58

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilson C, Tisdell C (2001) Sea turtles as a non-consumptive tourism resource especially in Australia. Tour Manag 22:279–288. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-5177(00)00059-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wing S, Lloyd JE, Hongtrakul T (1983) Male Competition in Pteroptyx fireflies: wing-cover clamps, female anatomy and mating plugs. Florida Entomol 66:86. https://doi.org/10.2307/3494553

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wong YJ, Shimizu Y (2020) He K (2020) Comparison among different ASEAN water quality indices for the assessment of the spatial variation of surface water quality in the Selangor River basin. Malaysia. Environ Monit Assess 192:644. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-020-08543-4

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wong CH, Yeap CA (2012) Conservation of congregating firefly zones (CFZs) in Peninsular Malaysia. Lampyrid 2:174–187

    Google Scholar 

  • Yap SK, Mustafa-Kamal AA, Zaidi MI, Saberi O, Muhammad-Akhir O, Tan A, Chang YT, Nobuyoshi O, Zool-Fadly NS, Wong S, Chong SK (2002) Firefly studies in Kuala Selangor district, final report submitted to Selangor State Government. The Malaysian Nature Society, Malaysia, p 25 (with four appendices and seven working papers)

  • Zhang J, Hu J, Lian J et al (2016) Seeing the forest from drones: testing the potential of lightweight drones as a tool for long-term forest monitoring. Biol Conserv 198:60–69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2016.03.027

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We thank both KHIND Starfish Foundation (KHIND Citizen Science Program; Project No: 55-31-08-02-003) and Hartalega Foundation (Firefly Genome Sequencing and Science Studentship; Project No: 51-31-08-02-008) for providing grants to the first author to embark on this manuscript. We also thank the Kuala Selangor District Council for permission to conduct field studies at the Kampung Kuantan Firefly Sanctuary. We express our gratitude to personnel from Khind-Mistral Industries Sdn. Bhd. (Sekinchan, Selangor) for volunteering in the data collection phase of the project in November, 2017 through a one-day citizen science program at the sanctuary. We would also like to especially thank: Dr. Liew Thor Seng and Radim Schreiber for contributing photographs for this article; Shah Fadir Bin Ishak for his valuable assistance throughout the duration of this project; and Messrs. Cheng Poh Heng & Co., Advocates & Solicitors, for comments on this article. The article is dedicated to the family of Razak Bin Jalaluddin and Dr. Ivan Polunin (1920-2010), who together founded firefly watching tours in Kampung Kuantan, Kuala Selangor in the 1970s. All the authors contributed equally to this article.

Funding

KHIND Starfish Foundation (Project No: 55-31-08-02-003) and Hartalega Foundation (Project No: 51-31-08-02-008).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Genetics Laboratory, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), 52109, Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia

    Shawn Cheng

  2. Water Quality Programme, FRIM, 52109, Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia

    Mohd Azahari Faidi

  3. Geoinformation Programme, FRIM, 52109, Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia

    Sek-Aun Tan

  4. Soil Management Branch, FRIM, 52109, Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia

    Jeyanny Vijayanathan

  5. Bestari Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

    Masbudi Abdul Malek

  6. Selangor Waters Management Authority, 13th Floor, Bangunan Darul Ehsan, 3, Jalan Indah, Seksyen 14, 40000, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

    Bidasari Bahashim

  7. Malaysia Genome Institute, Jalan Bangi, 43000, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia

    Mohd Noor Mat Isa

Authors
  1. Shawn Cheng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Mohd Azahari Faidi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Sek-Aun Tan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Jeyanny Vijayanathan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Masbudi Abdul Malek
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Bidasari Bahashim
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Mohd Noor Mat Isa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Shawn Cheng.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Consent for publication

Consent for publication has been obtained from the Director of the Biotechnology Division, FRIM.

Additional information

Communicated by Nigel E. Stork.

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

This article belongs to the Topical Collection: Biodiversity appreciation and engagement.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Cheng, S., Faidi, M.A., Tan, SA. et al. Fireflies in Southeast Asia: knowledge gaps, entomotourism and conservation. Biodivers Conserv 30, 925–944 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-021-02129-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-021-02129-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation