The main thing that we monitor is the air temperature. There are many abiotic factors that play into when fireflies emerge from the forest floor – things such as soil temperature and moisture, rainfall, ambient air temperature, etc. How do you predict the dates of the event? What conditions are you monitoring to predict the “peak” time to see fireflies at the mountain? The most common species seen during the Grandfather Glows event are the synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus), blue ghost fireflies (Phausis reticulata), variable triple flash fireflies (Photuris versicolor) and glowworms (Orfelia fultoni). We have confirmed 10 different species of fireflies on Grandfather Mountain ( read more). What bioluminescent insects can potentially be seen at Grandfather during the event? The best time to observe fireflies is when they are at the peak of their mating period. Adult fireflies only live for a couple weeks, and their sole focus is to mate and lay eggs for the next generation of fireflies. Depending on the species, the firefly larvae may stay in the leaf litter for a couple of years until they mature and metamorphose into adults. What occurs during Grandfather Glows? Why is that THE time to observe the fireflies?Įach year, different species of fireflies emerge from the forest floor in order to find mates. Once you are settled, turn off the artificial light and revel in nature’s light show, an experience that is nothing short of magical.Here’s a look into the process of trying to predict this natural phenomenon with Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation Director of Conservation and Education John Caveny. However, if you do, be sure to cover it with blue or red cellophane, and point it directly toward the ground and only when you’re walking to your selected viewing spot. This year, the synchronous fireflies can be seen from Tuesday, June 2, through Tuesday, June 8.īecause viewers will be walking around in the woods after dark, some may want to bring a flashlight. The lucky few who get their hands on a ticket must park at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and ride a shuttle to the Elkmont viewing area after sundown. Again though, these disappear faster than the flash of a lightning bug, so plan ahead.Īnd yes, this spectacle is worth every bit of the mania it takes to get a pass. the day before you wish to attend by going to or calling (877) 444-6777. For those who miss out, there are 85 passes that can be reserved starting at 10:00 a.m. However, as in the case of this year, the tickets are gone the instant they go on sale. Perhaps the mystery of it is what draws so many people year after year.Ī few weeks before the event, the National Parks Service distributes a limited number of advanced parking tickets online. No one knows for sure what makes synchronous fireflies behave this way, but the effect is truly awesome-hundreds of individuals acting in harmony. During this special time, though, all males and females of this species flash together in mass. The males flash to the females, who may or may not flash in response. The flashes of bioluminescence emitted by lightning bugs are essential to their mating ritual. At the peak of their season, these fireflies can be seen blinking in synchronicity. Every year, this species of firefly gathers in the Smokies for their two-week mating season in late spring. This area is so special, in fact, that it hosts one of the rarest sights in the world: synchronous fireflies in the Smokies. East Tennesseans who live near the Smoky Mountains know their home is a special place.
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