FEdA introduces its mascot Lucy

Giving a glimmer of hope, turning on a light, illuminating the dark, prompting a flash of inspiration: A firefly has symbolically, but also ecologically many important tasks. As FEdA’s mascot, yet another job awaits “Lucy”: Drawing attention to the loss of biodiversity – and presenting possible solutions. Because species are dying out rapidly around the world – and yet often remain outside of the public eye. “Lucy” is to bring light into this darkness and act as an ambassador for biodiversity and its protection. Seppo Leinonen, cartoonist and illustrator from Finnland, has drawn Lucy.

Fireflies are part of the family Lampyridae, which makes out roughly 2000 species of beetles worldwide. The name “Lucy” is a reference towards the luminescent material luciferin, which the beetles can use to create light for communication to find a partner to mate.

Fireflies live in meadows, gardens and parks, however, their favourite habitat is in riparian forests. Fireflies search for their mates, especially, during the mild summer nights of June and July. If they are successful during this, the female firefly lays eggs on the ground and the three-year-long life cycle of a new generation starts. 35 days after the deposition of the eggs, the larvae hatch, which will cocoon themselves after 34 months. From this chrysalis emerge the adult beetles with one clear mission: Secure the next generation. For this, they only have a short number of days: Male beetles live five till seven days, female beetles live seven till ten days. A firefly is therefore at the end of its life when it glows in search of a partner – and thus becomes noticeable to humans.

Fireflies suffer – like most insects – particularly under the loss of their habitats and the usage of pesticides. Furthermore, the light pollution complicates their search for a partner: The brighter their surroundings, the harder it is to spot the glowing beetles. Even so, their numbers in Germany are currently of least concern, according to the current Red List.

Lucy brings along the wisdom of a whole life – and as a beetle represents all threatened species of insect. Symbolically, with the power to glow, Lucy stands for good ideas, godly messages – or, more generally speaking, solutions. Lucy will therefore help FEdA to publicise the research findings and explain connections.