INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana's state insect is known for giving off bright flashes of light and creating some dazzling displays at night, but the light of the fireflies could soon be going out as the insect faces extinction.

While researchers have not yet completed empirical studies about the number of fireflies throughout the country, organizations like the Firefly Conservation and Research Group say the population of the insects throughout the country is plummeting.

Firefly Conservation and Research says the loss of natural habitat, pesticides and artificial lighting are all playing a role in the insect's fate.

Many fireflies rely on chemical reactions in their bodies to draw them to light and allow them to find mates but light pollution messes with that chemical cycle.

Scientists say their goal is to make land managers and policy makers aware of the threat to keep fireflies around longer.

Read more on the dangers of the firefly extinction at firefly.org.