Firefly is occasionally used as a symbolic animal for natural conservation and reconstruction in Japan, because of the beautiful light view displayed by the insect. However, fireflies are easily introduced to other places for tourist attraction, firefly festival, environmental education, and/or personal enjoyment. In particular, introduction is conspicuous in the Japanese aquatic firefly, Luciola cruciata, even though we can recognize ecological types differentiated genetically. According to the distribution map of the mitochondrial CO II gene haplotypes in this species, we assessed and confirmed artificial disturbance in Tokyo prefecture. Based on the result, we propose three major guidelines in transplantation of firefly.

1. To forbid transplantation of fireflies from other places on the biogeographical standpoint.

2. To protect original colony before transplantation, even if transplantation is required.

3. If transplantation is required in the case of extinction of the original colony, fireflies from the nearest river system should be transplanted.

Abstract Hirobumi Suzuki (Japan)