Uma Journey

13/11/2024

Signing off na ang Butitis Payag mga kabutits....daghang salamat sa mga memories....

20/02/2024

Ang pinakanindot nga view mga kabutits usually walay pic ky maamaze nmn tag lantaw di na makapicture hehe maygani nabinlan pag gamating hehe

25/12/2023

13/12/2023

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

Happy Holidays!!!

10/08/2023

Madugangan napod ang mga hulagway satong dingding ani mga kabutits...

Salamat sa pag duaw mga silingan Clyde ug Karl sunod kami napod masaag ani sa inyong payag hehe

02/07/2023

Ky nia mn tay mga silingan nga mga fireflies taga gabee mga kabutits ngita tag mga pamaagi nga maprotektahan cla pra mas mudaghan pa cla ug mutaas pa ilang lifespan....usa cla sa mga magical beings nga makita nato kung ngit2x na ang palibot maong kinahanglan nato cla tagaan ug importansya...

You would not believe your eyes if we shed light on fireflies!

Fireflies are a type of beetle of the Lampyridae family that undergo complete metamorphosis. Fireflies emit a bioluminescent glow from their light-emitting organs which are found in their abdomen. This behavior is a unique courtship quirk where flashing patterns are used to attract a mate. The males usually fly above in search of a female, and when a female is interested, she flashes a light that draws the male to her.

The Philippines is fortunate enough to house numerous species of fireflies. However, such species are rarely studied. We have yet to know the full extent of our country’s firefly diversity due to the lack of research being conducted. For all we know, there still might be an abundance of firefly species yet to be named! However, many individuals and organizations have shown their growing concerns on the unfortunate decline of fireflies brought about by anthropogenic, or human-induced activities that have affected their habitats.

Featured here is an unidentified species of 𝘗𝘺𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘢 which we know almost nothing about besides its genus and the fact that it can be found in an undescribed high-elevation mountain in Mindanao. This information, or lack thereof, highlights just how insufficient our knowledge of fireflies—as well as other organisms—are. Now, there may not be enough time for us to describe species such as 𝘗𝘺𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘢 sp., as they and their habitats are being threatened by human activity. However, if we begin taking care of their habitats now, then we still might have a chance!

Want to learn more about the Philippines’ unique insects? Visit the National Museum of Natural History! Open Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9AM to 6PM. Admission is FREE!