Fireflies in the Netherlands: 19 Species, Most Threatened

Yes, the Netherlands hosts fireflies — 19 native species. But their glow is fading.

Conservation Status (Dutch Red List)

• 6 species: Threatened (Vulnerable/Endangered)
• 13 species: Near Threatened
• 0 species: Least Concern

Every Dutch firefly species is at risk.

Key Species

Lampyris noctiluca (Common Glow-worm) — females glow to attract males; larvae predatory on snails.
Lamprohiza splendidula (Lesser Glow-worm) — rarer, southern NL.
Phosphaenus hemipterus (Short-winged Firefly) — flightless females, ancient woodland indicator.

Threats

• Light Pollution: Artificial light disrupts mating signals (bioluminescence)
• Habitat Loss: Intensive agriculture, urbanization, hedgerow removal
• Pesticides: Neonicotinoids kill prey (snails, slugs) and larvae directly
• Fragmentation: Isolated populations, no dispersal corridors
• Climate Change: Phenology mismatch — emergence vs. prey availability

Where to See Them

Late June-July, dusk, in: old meadows, forest edges, nature reserves (Veluwe, Drents-Friese Wold, Kempen~Broek). Turn off lights. Wait. Look low.

Conservation Action

• "Dark Sky" initiatives (reducing outdoor lighting)
• Agri-environment schemes: flower-rich margins, beetle banks
• Garden actions: log piles, no pesticides, dim lights
• Monitoring: Dutch Butterfly Conservation (Vlinderstichting) coordinates citizen science

Fireflies are bioindicators — their decline signals ecosystem distress. Saving them means saving the dark.