Why do Congaree's Fireflies Synchronize? | Congaree National Park Fireflies

Congaree National Park's synchronous fireflies are quite the spectacle. Each spring, they bathe the Congaree swamp in their bioluminescent glow. But why are Congaree's fireflies synchronous? Why do they all flash in unison?
It's a familiar tale of sex, habitat, and... protected places? Congaree National Park's large expanses of protected forest make it an ideal location for this synchronous firefly spectacle, and in this video, you'll find out exactly why it is they synchronize and why they do it at Congaree.

[@charchar0130]

congaree is so underrated! im lucky enough to live somewhat close-ish to it so its nice to be able to enjoy a national park on a fairly regular basis!!

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Congaree is honestly one of my favorites, and you're right, so underrated. The firefly festival is coming up soon too!

[@dr.brandileebunge]

What Magikal Creations are All Around Us??? What a Beautiful & Tragic display of eternal light & love. ✨💚🌙💫

[@NationalParkDiaries]

They really are an incredible sight to see!

[@klmullins65]

Never heard of Congaree, but Elkmont, in the Great Smokey Mts has been famous for its synchronous fireflies for decades! At one time it was believed that Elkmont was one of only two place on Earth where this phenomenon occurred...the other place being in Japan someplace, I believe. The National Park system shuts down the Elkmont Rd during the 2 week height of the fireflies mating season, and offers shuttle bus rides to the site, but on a lottery system, as the demand to see them is too great to accommodate everyone!

[@NationalParkDiaries]

Yep, Congaree's synchronous display started to become more popular as the Smokies display became more crowded.

[@daniellepalao4089]

You would not believe your eyes

[@NationalParkDiaries]

It's incredible. I was able to see them last year and had a blast!

[@kathyhoward5232]

So beautiful. I miss seeing them in LAKELAND Florida. 🤩😪❤🙏

[@NationalParkDiaries]

I was lucky enough to see them in Congaree this year!

[@CrackerFL]

It's light pollution that diminishes the fire fly population. I moved from an area in Florida with lots of light pollution, to zero. There are hundreds of fireflies in Levy County FL and other low density areas. I don't use flashlights or outside lights unless nessary.