It's the Bryan Lair Show. I'm W and YC reporter Nancy Solomon filling in for Bryan who is out today.

What could be more magical than catching a glimpse of a firefly on a summer night?

Who doesn't have fond memories of chasing after these little critters

who seem to come from another world and twinkle around your concerts in the park or your suburban backyard

or walks home in the city or around the campfire in the woods.

But in recent years it seems like this magic might be running out according to estimates of local New York researchers.

14% of firefly species in North America are threatened with extinction.

These researchers are now conducting a three-year project surveying the state's firefly population

in hopes of preserving our remaining glowing friends.

With us now to discuss their findings so far is science reporter Sarah Slote.

She's the author of the Gothamist Peace.

Fireflies may disappear so New York scientists are trying to count how many are left.

Sarah, welcome to W and YC.

Hello.

Listeners, have you caught a glimpse of a firefly this summer?

Or are you noticing a decline?

Call us and share your experiences.

212-433-WNYC.

212-433-9692.

If you can't get through on the phone, you can send a text to that number or tweet at Bryan Lara.

So Sarah, give us a better understanding of the decline of fireflies and what you were seeing.

I gave that number 14%, put that into perspective for us.

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