Fireflies(you might call them “ lightning bugs ” ) are known for put on one of summertime ’s best natural light show , but commonly their displays are random and serene . They do n’t bring to mind an orchestrated stage spectacular . That all change with a slight sweet talk and a special kind of self - illuminatinginsect .
In the video below , Robin Meier and Andre Gwerder capture an experiment they denounce withsynchronous firefliesin Thailand . In that country ’s Rhizophora mangle forest , they sweet-talk a sea of wildPteroptyx malaccaeto sync up with flash , computer - control LED spark . adjustment in the human - made and -operated visible radiation have the flashing figure produced by the fireflies to modify as well , make one breathtaking show . fit in to Meier , the experimentation , title “ synchrony , ” was design as an geographic expedition offree willand the interplay of a auto with living organisms in the instinctive world .
Synchronous firefly species in the genusPteroptyxarecommonin mangrove and nipa palm forests across Southeast Asia , and they breed class - one shot in the tender and humid climate . Their synchronous symphony can be witnessed nigh every nighttime in the right habitat .
You do n’t have to trip all the way to Asia to see the spectacle , however : A specie of synchronous Pyrophorus noctiluca is aboriginal to North America . you’re able to viewPhotinus carolinusin all its gloriole atGreat Smoky Mountains National Parkon the border of Tennessee and North Carolina , Congaree National Parkin South Carolina , and even as far north asAllegheny National Forestin Pennsylvania . P. carolinusis alive for a match of hebdomad in tardy spring and summer , depending on their localisation .
If you want to catch the fireflies ’ video display , you need to contrive ahead . The popularity of the spectacle — and the associated traffic and herd control condition prerequisite — have prompted the National Park Service to implement a lottery system for those desire to move to the Great Smokies or Congaree for the show . The lottery unremarkably opens in April on the the parking lot ’ reservation website , recreation.gov .
learn More Stories About Nature :
A variant of this history was published 2016 ; it has been updated for 2024 .
