[서울=RNX뉴스] 박진우 기자 = Light Pollution May Soon Cause Extinction of Fireflies, Study Says.

Threats to the insect are no different than what other species are facing worldwide.

According to an analysis in 'BioScience,' fireflies must also contend with light pollution.

Human-made sources can wash out lights emitted by fireflies, which is similar to how stars are usually not visible at night over a major city.

Fireflies then miss each other's light signals, which causes a decrease in mating and population.

Light pollution affects nearly a quarter of land on Earth. Study experts say artificial light is now the fireflies' second biggest threat.

Researchers say courtship can be improved by regulating usage of artificial outdoor lights.

"Reducing artificial light—both its extent and its duration—should, in contrast, benefit a wide range of culturally and economically important nocturnal animals." Study authors, via 'BioScience'