A CCTV-9 documentary, entitled “Story in Summer”, recently pictured Prof. Fu Xinhua from HZAU, who has been dedicated to the research and the protection of fireflies.
Footage of Fu working in the lab [Photo/CCTV 9]
After 10 months of growth, fireflies emerged from their pupae in summer, flickering around in the dreamy night. Those lovely bugs always evoke memories of the viewers’ childhood, and even inspire some enthusiasts to embark on nature exploration.
Fu Xinhua, a professor from the College of Plant Science & Technology of HZAU, has studied fireflies for more than 2 decades. Almost all fireflies, including male fireflies, female fireflies, and larvae, glow in the same color. However, in recent years’ research on how the fireflies emit light, Fu and his team has made a wonderful discovery: Of three firefly species represented by Pygoluciola qingyu Fu and Ballantyne (an aquatic firefly named by Fu), male and female glow in different colors, which sparked their curiosity. To uncover the mystery behind it, Fu frequently took field trips in search of fireflies.
In July 2006, while backpacking alone on a zigzag road on Mount Emei, Fu found a band of light stretching more than 500 meters along a bend, where many fireflies rested on the vine, flashing at the same frequency. He was left amazed at the spectacular scene. However, a year later, when he visited the Mount again, only to find there was no Pygoluciola qingyu Fu and Ballantyne, which made him lost and upset. Since then, he made up his mind to make every effort to protect the fireflies and set up the Firefly Conservation Research Center (FCRC). Later, he became a self-taught photographer to capture the beautiful moments of the fireflies. As more and more pictures were collected, Fu published a series of books, hoping to whet children’s interest with the beauty of fireflies.
Fireflies captured by Fu [Photo/Fu Xinhua]
Beyond research and conservation, Fu has a bigger dream: to make fireflies return to China’s rural areas and light up villages with glowing fireflies and twinking stars. In October 2018, Fu and his team establised a firefly base in Pinghu County, Zhejiang province, the first one in the Yangtze River Delta, to help revitalize the countryside and restore the ecological environment. Next, Fu hopes to expand the restoration area and work with the government to build China’s first firefly village.
Fu explained, “The light of the fireflies gave me great comfort and motivation to strive forward. I will continue to develop my team and protect the fireflies for future generations. Standing on the ridge after the rain, smelling the fragrance of rice, listening to the croaking of frogs, and watching the fireflies in the starry night-that’s what my ideal summer and village like. ”
Source: http://news.hzau.edu.cn/2022/0918/64521.shtml
Translated by: Zhang Qiongfang
Proofread by: Guo Haiyan
