What does the area around Great Smoky Mountains National Park have in common with Malaysian jungles? Answer: synchronous fireflies.

Date: June 6 (5th & 7th sold out!) ... Time: from 7:30-11 p.m.
The non-profit organization Discover Life in America is sponsoring events that allow guests to experience and explore the mystery behind the synchronous fireflies. "We know of 19 species of fireflies — actually, they're a unique group of beetles — currently inhabiting the area around the park," says former Smokies curator Adriean Mayor. "There are 12 species that 'flash' and seven species with no 'flash.' This 'flashing' phenomenon is caused by a chemical reaction in the fireflies' lower abdominal organs called bioluminescence."

So why don't fireflies in the average backyard synchronize? What makes the fireflies in the park so special? Those questions and more will be answered at a DLIA fundraising event that also features the firefly. With exclusive access to the property and a firefly expert on site, attendees will be able to learn the answers to questions while enjoying the amazing “flashing” display firsthand.

Make your reservation now while spots are still open! The cost is $100 per person. For reservations or more information, email Todd at todd@dlia.org or call (865) 430-4757.

... and Don't forget about our Future Events:
June 19 - iNaturalist training at Twin Creeks, near Gatlinburg, TN
June 20 – TVA/DLIA Bioblitz: Raven Rock Small Wild Area (NC)
July 11 – TVA/DLIA Bioblitz: Whites Creek Small Wild Area (TN)
September 4 and 5 – Biodiversity Hike and Overnight, Mt. LeConte Lodge

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DLIA’s mission is to discover and understand America’s species through science and education for conservation. DLIA’s flagship project, the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory, is a joint effort with the NPS to identify and record every single species within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To date DLIA has assisted in adding over 8,095 new species to the park’s records and 951 new to science.