S Y N C H R O N O U S
F I R E F L I E S
Tennessee, United States
Deep in the forests of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a light show
unlike any you've ever seen. For two weeks in early summer, the over 19 species of
fireflies in the park have matured into adult forms and are ready to begin mating. As
part of their rituals, an innumerable amount of these enchanting insects synchronize
their flashing patterns and light up the night.
No one knows why the fireflies collectively flash their lights, but the bioluminescent
display is a stunning feat. An unexplained event, it's performed by just a few types of
fireflies in North America and in a handful of places worldwide.
14
