For approximately two weeks on the waning edge of spring, “Snappy Sync” lightning bugs (Photuris frontalis) synchronize their bioluminescent mating signals like a silent rave across the floodplains of the Congaree River watershed in central South Carolina. These frisky flying beetles begin to emerge from the leaf litter looking for mates around dusk. Within the hour they are moving in and out of phase, initially in small groups, but under the right conditions they pulse together across large sections of forest before rising high into the tree canopy. By about 10 p.m., the congregation begins to disperse.
Lead photo Congaree National Park 05.29.15
Photos by Thomas Hammond
Congaree National Park 05.22.20
Congaree National Park 05.28.18
Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve 05.21.19
Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve 05.16.20
Congaree National Park 05.16.19
Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve 05.28.22
Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve 05.21.19