The Untold Story of Lampyridae: An Interview with Arnob Chakrovorty

By Mahesh R

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Arnob Chakrovorty began his academic career at International Public School, Sukanta Nagar, where he completed his secondary education, and later finished his higher secondary schooling at St Jude’s High School, Madhyamgram. He earned his bachelor’s degree in zoology from Dum Dum Motijheel College and subsequently completed his master’s degree in zoology at the Ballygunge Science College campus of the University of Calcutta.

He is currently pursuing a PhD in the Department of Zoology at the University of Kalyani, with doctoral research focused on the development of nanotherapeutic approaches for Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to his academic work, he actively leads the iForNature Nature Club, Kolkata, where ongoing initiatives and studies are largely centred on entomology.

Arnob Chakrovorty working with microscope

Mahesh R (MR): Can you share a brief overview of your professional journey and explain what initially led you towards research on Lampyridae?

Arnob Chakrovorty (AC): I have been fascinated by insects since childhood. Their immense diversity, vibrant colours, and complex behaviours deeply captivated me. I began collecting insects when I was in Class 5 or 6, purely out of curiosity. Over time, this curiosity transformed into a serious interest. I started participating in science fairs, which allowed me to interact with like-minded individuals. One such influential connection was with Arjan Basu Roy from Nature Mates Nature Club. By the time I reached Class 10, I had already begun collecting basic entomological equipment and exploring insect diversity in a more systematic and scientific manner.

One particularly memorable discovery occurred in my rooftop garden, where I found beetles living inside a Trichomyrmex ant nest. Initially, I identified them as belonging to the genus Thorictus (Dermestidae), but I was unable to match them to any known species. With the help of Jiří Háva, who possesses an extensive Dermestidae collection, we confirmed that it was a new species, later described as Thorictus bengalensis. This was my first experience with insect dissection, and Jiří’s guidance was invaluable. Successfully contributing a new species to science was a defining moment in my journey as an entomologist.

MR: That is fascinating. Moving specifically to fireflies, what are your views on the declining populations of fireflies? Do you think extinction is a real possibility?

AC: During my stay at the research scholars’ hostel in Kalyani, I collected a wide variety of insects. One specimen particularly drew my attention because of the unusually large structures protruding from its mouthparts. Upon microscopic examination in the laboratory, I realised these were elongated labial and maxillary palps. With expert assistance, the beetle was identified as a member of the genus Lamellipalpodes, it did not match any previously described species.

I contacted Dr Ladislav Bocak, a globally recognised authority on Lampyridae, who encouraged me to publish these findings. Interestingly, the genus Lamellipalpodes was erected by Maulik in 1921, and I happened to describe a new species during my department’s centenary year. Before submitting the manuscript, Banani raised an important question regarding the functional significance of these enlarged palps. This prompted us to study the sensilla present on these sensory organs.

Our results were remarkable. We documented an increased surface area, a wide diversity of sensilla types, and distinctive sensilla combinations, all suggesting a key role in detecting long-range pheromones necessary for mate identification. I consider this finding a significant breakthrough in understanding communication in non-luminous fireflies.

MR: From an ecological and evolutionary perspective, what is the significance of fireflies? Could you also explain non-luminous groups and the evolution of bioluminescence?

AC: To answer this properly, we first need to categorise fireflies based on their activity patterns—whether they are diurnal or nocturnal. This distinction is crucial because their ecology, behaviour, and modes of communication differ considerably.

MR: That is an important point. Could you briefly explain these categories and indicate which groups are currently declining?

AC: Nocturnal fireflies are well known to experience behavioural disturbances due to artificial light at night. However, the effects of light pollution on diurnal fireflies have not been adequately studied, not only in India but across the globe. Before addressing population declines, it is essential to understand their basic biology—how they mate, how they locate prey, and how they interact within their ecosystems.

One of the key findings from my work is that females of several diurnal groups remain unknown to science. Additionally, we identified specialised sensory patches on the maxillary palps that enable detection of long-range pheromones. Understanding these biological features is a prerequisite for assessing the true impact of light pollution on these insects.

Globally, insect populations are under severe threat. When a habitat is disturbed, entire insect communities are affected. Many members of the subfamily Ototretinae, for example, feed on land snails. Since land snails are largely frugivorous, a decline in their diversity leads to food scarcity for these fireflies, ultimately resulting in population decline.

MR: Light pollution is often discussed as a major threat. Based on your observations, how exactly does artificial light affect fireflies?

AC: Artificial light significantly disrupts insect behaviour. During my field observations, I noticed that many Lamellipalpodes species were strongly attracted to street lights and light traps. We repeatedly observed large congregations around artificial light sources, which clearly interferes with their natural behavioural patterns. However, the long-term consequences of this attraction on population dynamics are still unknown and require systematic investigation.

MR: Fireflies are best known for their bioluminescence. Could you explain how this light is produced and controlled, and why it is so important?

AC: Firefly bioluminescence is far more complex than simply switching a light on and off. Fireflies can regulate the intensity of light and emit different colours ranging from blue and orange to greenish-yellow. Moreover, the timing of flashes—their duration, frequency, and intensity—is highly species-specific.

Studies by Lewis et al. (2004) have demonstrated that male flashing signals in Photinus species differ markedly among species and play a critical role in mate recognition. In some cases, these signals are also used to lure prey or interact with other species.

At the molecular level, light production depends on interactions between luciferin and luciferase, while oxygen availability controls the on–off mechanism. Fireflies regulate oxygen flow to their photic organs, allowing precise control over light emission.

MR: From an evolutionary standpoint, how did fireflies develop these communication systems?

AC: Evolutionarily, chemical signalling is considered the ancestral mode of communication in fireflies. Over time, some lineages evolved photic signalling, while others retained chemical communication or used a combination of both. Certain groups, such as the Ototretinae, rely entirely on chemical communication, which is why analysing sensilla is crucial for understanding Lampyridae phylogeny.

Evolutionary studies suggest that fireflies initially used chemical signals, then combined chemical and photic cues, and eventually evolved purely photic communication in some lineages. This transition is closely associated with a temporal shift in mating behaviour, from diurnal to nocturnal activity, as photic signals are ineffective in bright daylight.

However, in non-bioluminescent groups, there remains a significant knowledge gap. Controlled experiments under light and dark conditions are urgently needed to statistically analyse mating behaviour and assess the true impact of light pollution.

MR: What are some of the key achievements in your career that you are most proud of?

AC: I am deeply grateful to my family for supporting my passion—sometimes even my obsession—with entomology. I am also thankful to my friends and collaborators, including Mr N. Moinudheen, Dr Sajad Parey, Prof. Gautam Aditya, Dr Rajmohana Keloth, Prof. Neveen S. Gadallah, Jiří Háva, Prof. Darren Andrew Pollock, Arjan Basu Roy, Shibajee Mitra, Anirban Chaudhuri, Sarbani Nag, Aditi Chakraborty, and Rangana Ray Barman.

To date, I have published over 30 research papers, including 12 in entomology, and have described six new insect species. One of my proudest moments was naming Lamellipalpodes debprasuma in honour of my parents and Banani’s parents.

MR: What is your long-term vision for Lampyridae research in India?

AC: My aim is to make meaningful contributions to sensilla biology and the taxonomy of Indian Lampyridae. I hope to describe new species and strengthen research on Indian fireflies through detailed morphological, behavioural, and ecological studies.

MR: Finally, what advice would you like to give to young entomologists in India?

AC: Keep the spark of curiosity alive. Discovering new species is secondary; the primary goal should be to truly understand insects. Observe, document everything, and maintain a notebook with sketches and notes. Read books and research papers regularly, interact with experts, and learn from their methods.

Platforms such as iNaturalist, GBIF, and Indian biodiversity portals are excellent resources. Most importantly, believe in yourself. You can contribute to entomology in many ways—even through macro photography—but always try to understand and document the story behind each insect.

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About the author:

Mahesh R, Independent Researcher, Ernakulam, Kochi, Kerala, India

Email: maheshgreen96@gmail.com

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Disclaimer: The contents, style, language, plagiarism, references, mention of any products if any, etc., are the sole responsibility of the author