Kajian Habitat dan Aktivitas Kemunculan Kunang-Kunang dengan Observasi Cuaca Skala Mikro di Kawasan Situ Gunung, Kabupaten Sukabumi

Abstract

Firefly is an insect that produces bioluminescence and serve as environmental indicator. Several countries such as Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia have use the potential of a firefly for tourism. Fireflies require suitable habitat conditions in terms of ecological and physical elements, including weather elements. This study aimed to determine the linkage elements of micro-scale weather with the emergence of fireflies. The methods used in this study include the weather observation, visual encounter surveys (VES) time search, and identification of species. Weather and emergence observation were conducted in rotation on four lanes (Wisma Kantor, Curug Sawer, Danau and Curug Cimanaracun) at night (19.30–22.00). The optimum temperature of emergence at range 17.5–19.5 °C and most found at RH 93–96%. Decreasing of air temperature, precipitation events, and higher RH can inhibit the movement of the wings, making they less suitable for the emergence of fireflies. Besides weather elements, the characteristics of any area related to the fireflies. Those indicated by the difference in species, the spread and the rate of appearance of fireflies in each region. The highest emergence of fireflies is located on Curug Cimanaracun lane where has denser canopy cover, humidity is quite high, and there is a body of water that supports the fireflies, especially eggs and larval phase. Humid conditions in Curug Cimanaracun lane also suitable for habitat of snails as prey of firefly larvae.