What do Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Malaysian jungles have in common? Haven’t a twinkling of an idea? It’s the presence of synchronous fireflies!

During the first weeks of June, an annual lightshow, put on by Mother Nature’s night-lights, illuminate areas of GSMNP. This year again the non-profit organization Discover Life in America is holding a number of events for the public to experience this natural wonder and learn more about the mystery behind the synchronous fireflies.

“We know of 19 species of fireflies (actually they're a unique group of beetles) currently inhabiting the Park,” states former park curator Adriean Mayor. “There are 12 species that "flash" and 7 species with no "flash".” This “flashing” phenomenon is caused by a chemical reaction in the fireflies’ lower abdominal organs called bioluminescence.

Now you might be wondering: Why don’t the fireflies in my backyard synchronize? What makes the fireflies in the park so special? All of your question and more will be answered by attending any of the following events.

On May 31 and June 1st, starting at 7:30 pm and ending at 11:00 pm, DLIA is holding a fund-raising event at Norton Creek Sanctuary near Gatlinburg, TN. With exclusive access to the property and a firefly expert on site, you will be able to learn the answers to your questions while enjoying the amazing display first hand. Food (heavy hors d’oeuvres) and drink (beer and wine) will be provided, so come out and enjoy this nighttime picnic with the fireflies! There will be a short walk to the site so be prepared for possible inclement weather.

Reservations required – space is very limited. Call 865.430.4756 for tickets! The cost is $75 per person.

Photo by Stacy Champagne

The Salamander Ball was a huge success.  Thanks to all who volunteered, donated items and attended!  We appreciate the support!  We hope to see you at all of our upcoming events, and please continue to help us celebrate 15 Years of Discovery!!!

New Species Highlight

Dictyostelium stellatum (Slime Mold) Dictyostelids (cellular slime molds) are microscopic organisms found in the soil/humus layer of forests where they feed upon bacteria. For most of their life cycle, dictyostelids exist as unicellular amoeba-like cells. Eventually these cells aggregate (coming from all directions to congregate in a single place) to form a multicellular fruiting body. Fruiting bodies are small, and most examples are less than one centimeter tall. When the amoeba-like cells of D. stellatum aggregate to form fruiting bodies, they first move together in such a way that a star-like pattern (hence the name “stellatum”) is formed. There are about 150 species of dictyostelids worldwide, and approximately 30 species are known to occur in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Ten of these, including Dictyostelium stellatum, are species new to science.

(Image provided by Dr. Steve Stephensen.)

2013 PREVIEW:

Celebrating 15 years of Discovering Life in America-Join the Discovery in 2013!

May:

International Biodiversity Day

May 22, 2013

Twin Creeks Science Center

Firefly Extravaganza

May 31, 2013

Norton Creek Sanctuary

June:

Firefly Extravaganza

June 1, 2013

Norton Creek Sanctuary

Biodiversity Days in the Smokies

June 19 – 22, 2013

Twin Creeks Science Center