Surprising Firefly Facts

Photograph Vincent Brady

In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the eastern U.S., there’s a species of firefly (Photinus carolinis) that takes the showy spectacle to a new level. In an attempt to woo a female, thousands of P. carolinis males flash their lanterns on and off at the same time, creating a synchronous bioluminescence display unlike any other on Earth. Every June, people come to the national park to witness the spectacle, which has become such a popular tourist attraction that you’d have an easier time getting into a Rolling Stones concert. Advance tickets sell out in a matter of minutes. So for those of you who missed out on the natural light show this year, here are some amazing firefly facts to ponder on those warm summer nights.