Fireflies at Elkmont

Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of 14 species of fireflies that live in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and are the only species in America whose individuals can synchronize their flashing light patterns. These beetles take from one to two years to mature from larvae, but will live as adults for only about 21 days. In that time, however, these insects put on a spectacular show of bioluminescence for those lucky enough to catch it.

Their light patterns are actually part of the adulthood mating display. Each species of firefly has a characteristic flash pattern that helps its male and female individuals recognize each other. The males fly and flash and the usually stationary females respond with a flash, but no one is sure why the fireflies flash synchronously. Competition between males may be one reason. Or perhaps if the males all flash together they have a better chance of being noticed, and the females can make better comparisons.

The Great Smoky Mountains is one of two places in the world where you can see this natural light show in waves across hillsides, so if you happen to visit Blackberry Farm during mid-June, be sure to take the trip to see it for yourself.