Photo credit: Joe Giersch
Mist forestfly (Lednia tumana) | ESA status: threatened
Mist forestfly
The mist forestfly’s existence is dependent on the glaciers of Glacier National Park; and, therefore, on the U.S. response to climate change.
Mist forestfly habitat
The mist forestfly, otherwise known as the meltwater lednian stonefly, only occurs in glacier-fed streams and alpine springs in Montana’s Glacier National Park. Its life is intimately tied to the health of the awe-inspiring glaciers and alpine vistas that make up its habitat.
What are the threats to the mist forestfly?
Glaciers are extremely sensitive to climate change, as they are directly affected by altered temperature, precipitation, and cloud cover. The mist forestfly is like a tiny finger placed on the pulse of the alpine environment, and its status is one of our best terrestrial indicators of the effects of climate change.
If Glacier National Park loses its glaciers, as scientists predict will come to pass by 2030, then that could be the end of the mist forestfly, and a tragic loss for the park named for its incredible glacial landscape.
What WildEarth Guardians is doing to protect the mist forestfly
Thanks to our 2007 petition, the mist forestfly was listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act in November 2019.
Historical Significant Actions
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to list the mist forestfly as “threatened” October 2016
WildEarth Guardians files suit to compel overdue listing determination for the mist forestfly December 2009
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issues a positive preliminary finding on petition to list the mist forestfly August 2009
WildEarth Guardians files a petition for 206 Mountain-Prairie species, including the mist forestfly July 2007
Wildlife Press: Mist forestfly
Rare Glacier National Park Insect Proposed for Endangered Species Act Protection
Like the Park's Namesake Glaciers, Species Threatened by Climate Change
Contact: Taylor Jones, (720) 443-2615, tjones@wildearthguardians.org
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