Dazzling fireflies to illuminate Great Smoky Mountains next week. How to watch online
An iconic show put on annually by rare fireflies that flash in unison will excite viewers from afar this year.
Hundreds of “synchronous” fireflies light up the sky each year in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by flashing their lights in unison — a phenomenon that attracts thousands from around the world. The park canceled its annual viewing due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a news release. But those who don’t want to miss the dazzling show can catch it online.
The male fireflies flash together as a ritual during mating season, which usually lasts for a couple weeks in May and June, according to the National Park Service. The Smokies, which straddle North Carolina and Tennessee, are one of only a handful of places in the country the special fireflies call home.
The park holds a popular viewing event every year at Elkmont Campground, which thousands enter a lottery to attend. Last year, almost 29,000 people from 50 states and 19 countries entered the lottery. The park service estimates 1,000 people view the fireflies each night during the season.
This year, however, the event won’t be possible.
“The synchronous firefly viewing area at Elkmont simply isn’t spacious enough to safely allow hundreds of people to gather under the current health guidance,” Superintendent Cassius Cash said in the release. “While disappointing, the safety of our employees, volunteers, and visitors continues to be our number one priority.”
But a nonprofit group says it will show a livestream of the fireflies on Monday.
Discover Life in America says in a news release it’s collaborating with photographer Radim Schreiber to hold its Virtual Fireflies Event. Those who want to watch can tune in on YouTube at 8 p.m. ET.
The event will start with a presentation about the fireflies then show footage of the flashy beetles captured by Schreiber set to nature sounds, the release says. Staff will also be answering questions from viewers in the comments section on YouTube during the presentation.
The event is free, but DLiA suggests making a $5 donation to help it continue its work in the Smokies. Those interested can donate on its site.
Those who want to tune in can set a reminder on YouTube to be notified when the event starts.
The group is still offering a chance to see the fireflies in person during its modified fundraiser “Fireflies Event at Norton Creek,” which tickets are still available for on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
However, the event will be different this year to follow guidelines from health officials and could still be canceled.
The rare fireflies are found sporadically between New York and Georgia, scientists say. Last summer, they were discovered atop western North Carolina’s Grandfather Mountain, McClatchy News previously reported.
The synchronous bugs are one of 19 different species of fireflies found in the Great Smoky Mountains, according to the park service. Each species has a unique flashing pattern that helps males and females recognize each other.
It remains a mystery why the fireflies flash in unison, the park service says. Scientists think it could have something to do with competition among the males, with each wanting to be the first to flash. It’s also possible they’re working together to attract females by increasing their chances of being noticed by them.
This story was originally published May 28, 2020 at 1:27 PM.
