#Lightning bugs series

They reach a peak and then the numbers gradually decline each day until the mating season is over. We use daily temperatures and predicted temperatures to set the dates of the public viewing event, but any natural phenomenon is highly variable and difficult to predict exactly.Īs the season begins, a few insects start flashing, then more join the display as the days pass. The dates that they begin to display varies from year to year based on temperature and soil moisture. The mating season of Photinus carolinus lasts for approximately 2-3 weeks each year. As more males start joining in, the flashing will also begin to synchronize and entire sections of the forest will be pulsating with light. Initially the flashing appears random, but the period of darkness is synchronized.

#Lightning bugs series

The flash pattern of Photinus carolinus is a series of 5-8 flashes, followed by a pause of about 8 seconds, and then this pattern is repeated. There are other firefly species flashing at night, and some of them are predatory, so she must be able to recognize males of her species. Scientists studying the synchronous firefly have determined that the males flash in unison as a way for the female to be certain she is responding to one of her kind. Synchronous fireflies produce light in their lanterns, the pale area of the abdomen visible on the underside of the insect above. They are one of only a couple species in North America whose individuals are known to synchronize their flashing light patterns. Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In contrast, the energy produced by an incandescent light bulb is approximately 10% light and 90% heat. The light produced is referred to as a 'cold' light, with nearly 100% of the energy given off as light. Fireflies combine the chemical luciferin and oxygen with the enzyme luciferase in their lanterns (part of their abdomens) to make light. Bioluminescence involves highly efficient chemical reactions that result in the release of light with little or no emission of heat. Fireflies are a good example of an organism that produces light, but there are others as well, such as certain species of fungus, fish, shrimp, jellyfish, plankton, glowworm beetles, and gnats. The production of light by living organisms is called bioluminescence. Males typically flash while they are flying, and females, which are usually stationary, flash in response. Most species produce a greenish-yellow light, but others have more of a blue or white light. Each species has a characteristic pattern that helps male and female individuals recognize and find each other. Once they mature into the adult form, they only live for about 3-4 weeks and many do not feed.įirefly flash patterns are part of their mating display. Most of their lifecycle is spent in the larval stage (1-2 years), where they feed on snails, worms, and smaller insects in the leaf litter on the forest floor. įireflies (also called lightning bugs) are beetles. More information is available in the park's news release. (collected on ) to help cover the cost of viewing supplies and nightly personnel to manage the viewing opportunity near Elkmont Campground. Successful applicants will automatically be awarded parking passes and $24.00 will be charged to the same credit or debit card used for the application fee. **Lottery winners will be charged a $1.00 application fee. Parking Confirmation will be distributed via a lottery on – Firefly Event page.ĭuring the lottery application, you may choose two dates you would like to attend - your preferred choice and an alternate date.Īll lottery applicants will be notified that their application was SUCCESSFUL (and are awarded vehicle parking confimation ) or UNSUCCESSFUL (and were not awarded vehicle parking confirmation) June 3 - June 10, 2022: Annual Firefly Viewing Opportunity May 13, 2022: All lottery applicants will be notified if their application was successful/unsuccesful. May 3, 2022: Lottery for vehicle passes closes at 10:00 a.m. Important Dates and Information for the 2022 Firefly LotteryĪpril 26, 2022: Firefly viewing dates announced.Īpril 29, 2022: Lottery for vehicle passes opens at 10:00 a.m.