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9 Magical Firefly Viewing Locations Around the World

Fireflies turn a dark summer night into a spellbinding light display. For many, spending an evening in the presence of these bioluminescent creatures and watching them dance and flash in intricate patterns is a cherished summer tradition. 

Luckily, fireflies live on every continent apart from Antarctica, and a handful of them are synchronous, meaning the male insects can synchronize their light patterns. If you want to catch the magical light performance of these insects this summer, these are the best destinations for you to visit.

Great Smoky National Park - Tennessee, USA 

Firefly Viewing Locations Great Smoky National Park - Tennessee, USA
Image Source: Ryan Atkins/ Flickr
From late May to the end of June, tourists gather at the Elkmont area of the Great Smoky National Park in Tennessee to view one of the brightest and prettiest firefly displays in the United States. More than 19 firefly varieties live in the park, including one synchronous firefly species called Photinus carolinus.
Scientists believe that the male fireflies synchronize their flashing patterns to signal to the females that they’re heading toward the right partners. Weather can influence the lightning bug season, which usually lasts around 2 weeks.

Motosu Hotaru - Japan

Firefly Viewing Locations Motosu Hotaru - Japan
Japan has a vast firefly diversity and is one of the best countries to view fireflies in their natural habitat. The Motosu Hotaru Firefly Park is probably the most famous location in the world for viewing hotaru - the Japanese word for fireflies. The park is located on Japan’s main island close to Nagoya, a short 2-hours train ride from Kyoto.
In Japan, the period from June to July is considered to be firefly season.

Alishan Forest Recreation Area - Taiwan

Firefly Viewing Locations Alishan Forest Recreation Area - Taiwan
Taiwan is another prime location in Asia for viewing fireflies. The Alishan Forest Recreation Area is one of the most picturesque natural reserves in Taiwan where temperatures rarely rise beyond a pleasant 50°F (10°C). Thanks to the high humidity and steady temperature, massive congregations of fireflies, including synchronous species, can be seen here from April until June, but some firefly activity is seen here year-round.
All in all, 42 species of fireflies inhabit the Alishan Forest Recreation Area. We recommend taking the forest railway to Fenqihu or Lijia Maple Viewing Trail for the most spectacular light display views.

Congaree National Park - South Carolina, USA

Congaree National Park is another prime firefly destination in the United States. One of just three synchronous firefly species in the US (Photuris frontalis) inhabits the damp forested area of the park. During the mating season, male fireflies start flashing simultaneously to attract females of the same species.

The insects produce light through a chemical reaction and control the flashes by limiting the amount of oxygen that enters the specialized bioluminescent organs in their bellies. The best time to view synchronous fireflies at Congaree National Park is from mid-May to mid-June.


Related Article: These Dream-Like Photos of Luminous Fireflies Are Stunning
 

Purushwadi - Maharashtra, India

Unlike other natural firefly habitats listed here that have only a dozen or two firefly species, this village in India boasts of having thousands of firefly species living in the same area. The diversity of fireflies in Purushwadi is truly astounding. The best time of year to witness the fireflies is typically in late May to early June, before heavy rains begin with the monsoon season.

Kampung Kuantan Fireflies Park - Malaysia

A special mention goes to the Kampung Kuantan Fireflies Park, a forested area where fireflies perform an amazing trick - they all light up together for a few minutes. Moreover, visitors can view this mesmerizing light show by taking a boat ride through the Selangor river that flows through the park. The fireflies create an alley of dancing lights around the river, a truly unforgettable sight!

Santuario de las Luciérnagas - Tlaxcala, Mexico

Firefly Viewing Locations Santuario de las Luciérnagas - Tlaxcala, Mexico
Image Source: Karina Miranda Vargas/ Wikimedia Commons
The Santuario de las Luciernagas is one of just a handful of animal sanctuaries of this kind. The sanctuary is located in central Mexico, and it protects thousands of fireflies in their natural habitat. Fireflies of various species and colors - from gold to orange to green - can be found here throughout summer. The best time to visit Santuario de las Luciérnagas is between late June and the beginning of August.

Kaeng Krachan National Park - Thailand

Firefly Viewing Locations

Thailand is one of very few countries in the world with synchronous firefly species. Lighting bugs can be observed here year-round, but synchronous fireflies are more common throughout the wet season (May-October). Kaeng Krachan National Park is a large nature preserve located near the border with Myanmar.

Since the bioluminescent insects are drawn to water, the hiking trails that take you along the Pranburi river will ensure that you witness the most spectacular light display.

Allegheny National Forest - Pennsylvania, United States

The Allegheny National Forest is the last remaining area of old forest growth in Pennsylvania. The forest features thick woods, rivers, and watersheds that create the perfect hot and humid habitat for 15 different species of firefly that live here, including the synchronous Photinus carolinus and a local species called Photuris pennsylvanica. The period from the fourth Saturday in June to early July is the time with the brightest natural light display.

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Cover image: Wikimedia Commons H/T: Mental Floss, Triponzy

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