In Japanese folk traditions, they symbolize departing souls or silent, ardent love. Some Indigenous cultures in the Peruvian Andes view them as the eyes of ghosts. And across various Western cultures, ...

Mathematicians took a cue from nature by studying how fireflies synchronize their flashes. Researchers used a complex elliptic burster model of brain cell behavior to understand the synchronization.

Every year for two weeks between mid-May and mid-June, Congaree National Park in South Carolina is home to a fairy-tale-like display of flashing lights. These rhythmic performances happen all because ...

They’re a summertime staple in certain regions, and some of the most efficient lights in the world. This week, we’re dimming the lights to get a clear view of fireflies. * Let’s get right into HOW ...

A synchronous firefly event in Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Photinus carolinus fireflies annually flash in sync during late May or early June. The insects are still in trouble, but ...

In sea fireflies' underwater ballet, the males sway together in perfect, illuminated synchronization, basking in the glow of their secreted iridescent mucus. In sea fireflies' underwater ballet, the ...

The fireflies' annual synchronous light show in the woods of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is something to behold. It's a sight you don’t want to miss, even if you weren’t one of the lucky ...

Rainy, damp weather along the eastern United States in summer 2025 has one upside: Fireflies love it. "Fireflies and their prey (snails, slugs, worms) need moisture, so years with high rainfall, ...