The firefly shuttles from Sugarlands Visitor Center to Elkmont will be operating June 6-13 this year. All visitors wishing to see the fireflies during this time period will need to make advance reservations for a parking pass at www.recreation.gov. Parking pass sales will begin on or after April 29. Additional information about parking passes...
Because of the popularity of the synchronous firefly display, access to the Elkmont area is restricted after 5 p.m. in late May and early June to registered campers and those who park at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and ride a special shuttle trolley to Elkmont. Access to the Sugarlands parking lot and to the trolley during this period requires a parking pass, which must be obtained in advance through www.recreation.gov
Like many seasonal events in nature, the timing of the display of synchronized fireflies is influenced by environmental conditions and is impossible to accurately predict in advance.
ynchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are one of at least 19 species of fireflies that live in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They are the only species in America whose individuals can synchronize their flashing light patterns.
Fireflies (also called lightning bugs) are beetles. They take from one to two years to mature from larvae, but will live as adults for only about 21 days. While in the larval stage, the insects feed on snails and smaller insects. Once they transform into their adult form, they do not eat.
Their light patterns are part of their mating display. Each species of firefly has a characteristic flash pattern that helps its male and female individuals recognize each other. Most species produce a greenish-yellow light; one species has a bluish light. The males fly and flash and the usually stationary females respond with a flash. Peak flashing for synchronous fireflies in the park is normally within a two-week period in late May to mid-June.
Synchronous
fireflies produce light in their lanterns, the pale area of the abdomen
visible on the underside of the insect above.
The production of light by living
organisms is called bioluminescence. Fireflies are a good example of an
organism that bioluminesces, but there are others as well, such as
certain species of fungus, fish, shrimp, jellyfish, plankton, glowworms,
gnats, snails, and springtails.
Bioluminescence involves highly
efficient chemical reactions that result in the release of particles of
light with little or no emission of heat. Fireflies combine the chemical
luciferin and oxygen with the enzyme luciferase in their lanterns (part
of their abdomens) to make light. The light produced is referred to as a
"cold" light, with nearly 100% of the energy given off as light. In
contrast, the energy produced by an incandescent light bulb is
approximately 10% light and 90% heat.
No one is sure why the fireflies flash
synchronously. Competition between males may be one reason: they all
want to be the first to flash. Or perhaps if the males all flash
together they have a better chance of being noticed, and the females can
make better comparisons.
The fireflies do not always flash in
unison. They may flash in waves across hillsides, and at other times
will flash randomly. Synchrony occurs in short bursts that end with
abrupt periods of darkness.
Timing of the DisplayThe mating season lasts for approximately two weeks each year. The dates that the fireflies begin to display varies from year to year-scientists haven't figured out why, but it depends at least in part on temperature and soil moisture. It's impossible to predict in advance exactly when the insects will begin flashing each year.
As the season begins, a few insects
start flashing, then more join the display as the days pass. They reach a
"peak" when the greatest number of insects are displaying. After peak,
the numbers gradually decline each day until the mating season is over.
Since 1993, this peak date has occurred at various times from the third
week of May to the third week in June.
During the two week long mating season,
the quality of individual nightly displays can be affected by
environmental factors. On misty, drippy evenings following rainfall, the
insects may not readily display. Cool temperatures, below 50ยบ
Fahrenheit, will also shut down the display for the night. Moon phase
has been observed to affect the timing of nightly displays-on nights
with a bright moon, the insects may begin flashing a bit later than
usual.
Visitors to the region will be treated to all of the wonderful sights and sounds of nature as it awakens, and they can attend any of the many festivals and special events. There is something for everyone. One of the most popular events is the Synchronous Firefly light show at the Elkmont section of the national park, which takes place June 2-10, 2013. Visitors will be treated to an awe-inspiring display of synchronous lighting from thousands of these special lightning bugs. The city of Gatlinburg provides a trolley service for visitors, and reservations are recommended.
lodging. The Berry Springs Lodge in Gatlinburg offers peaceful seclusion combined with access to Smoky Mountain State Park, shopping at outlet malls and boutiques, hiking in the mountains, horseback riding, and more. The rooms are incredibly clean and offer private bathrooms, quality bedding, patios/balconies, and access to climate controls. Each bathroom offers amenities such as hair dryers and ironing equipment. Best of all, each of the rooms and suites are unique and individually styled.