Local factors affecting the distribution of terrestrial firefly larvae Luciola parvula in the southern part of Nagasaki City, Japan

Abstract

We conducted a population survey of the larvae of terrestrial firefly Luciola parvula in a riparian forest in the southern part of Nagasaki City. The statistical analysis using GLMM and model selection based on a AICc showed that the coverage of understory vegetation and litter thickness have a positive effect on the larval population. The result highlighted the importance of forest edge habitat for the larvae. In the dark forest floor, which is occluded by the forest canopy, leaf litter generally accumulates however understory vegetation does not grow. At a forest edge facing south, such as the survey site of this study, the sun shines into the forest floor even though it is occluded by the canopy, and the understory vegetation grows luxuriantly. In conclusion, habitat conservation focusing on understory vegetation coverage and litter accumulation would be the effective conservation measurements for the species.