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There's similarity between Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Malaysian jungles
GATLINBURG, TN -- What do Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Malaysian jungles have in common? Haven’t a twinkling of an idea? It’s the presence of synchronous fireflies! During the first weeks of June, an annual lightshow, put on by Mother Nature’s night-lights, illuminates areas of the National Park. This year the non-profit organization Discover Life in America (DLIA) is holding a number of events for the public to experience this natural wonder and learn more about the mystery behind the synchronous fireflies.
“We know of 19 species of fireflies (actually they're a unique group of beetles) currently inhabiting the Park,” states park curator Adriean Mayor. “There are 12 species that ‘flash’ and 7 species with no ‘flash’.” This “flashing” phenomenon is caused by a chemical reaction in the fireflies’ lower abdominal organs called bioluminescence.
Now you might be wondering: Why don’t the fireflies in my backyard synchronize? What makes the fireflies in the park so special? All of your questions and more will be answered by attending any of the following events:
On May 31 and June 1, starting at 7:00 p.m. and ending at 11:00 p.m., DLIA is holding a fund-raising event at Norton Creek Sanctuary near Gatlinburg, TN. With exclusive access to the property and a firefly expert on site, you will be able to learn the answers to your questions while enjoying the amazing display firsthand. Food (heavy hors d’oeuvres) and drink (beer and wine) will be provided, so come out and enjoy this nighttime picnic with the fireflies! There will be a short walk to the site and be prepared for possible inclement weather.
Join Discover Life in America at either of these events to learn about and experience the rare firefly phenomenon, unique to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Reservations are required; space is very limited. Call 865-430-4756 for tickets. The cost is $75 per person.
DLIA’s year-long celebration of “15 Years of Discovery” started in January with a monthly highlight of new species to science, and includes International Biodiversity Day on May 22, Firefly Viewing on May 31 and June 1, Biodiversity Days in the Smokies June 20-22, and the annual Biodiversity Hike and Overnight to LeConte Lodge on August 24 and 25. Other events will be announced throughout the year. For more information, visit www.dlia.org.
Source: Discover Life in America
Published May 26, 2013
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