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Occurrence and physical characterization of microplastics in mangrove-dwelling Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) of entotourism importance
Summary
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in mangrove-dwelling fireflies in Malaysia, finding microplastics in 50% of larvae and 14.8% of adults, representing one of the first studies of microplastic occurrence in this ecologically and culturally important insect group.
Abstract The presence of microplastics (MPs) in terrestrial and semi-aquatic insects is an emerging area of environmental concern, particularly for species of ecological and cultural importance. This study investigates the occurrence and physical characterization of microplastics in mangrove-dwelling fireflies (Lampyridae) in Delta Tumpat of Kelantan, Malaysia where these bioluminescent beetles (Coleoptera) are emblematic of local entotourism initiatives. A total of 89 firefly specimens, comprising 62 larvae and 27 adults, were examined for microplastic contamination. Microplastics were detected in 50% of the larvae and 14.8% of the adults. Two types of microplastics were identified, namely fiber and fragment. In terms of colour distribution, transparent microplastics were most prevalent (92.10%), followed by dark blue (5.26%) and yellow (2.63%). These findings highlight the presence of environmental microplastics in both developmental stages of fireflies inhabiting mangrove ecosystems. The study raises important considerations for the conservation of fireflies and the sustainability of entotourism activities, given the potential sublethal impacts of microplastics on insect health and behavior.