Win a Breathtaking Bryson City Giveaway
Rare Species: Blue Ghost and Synchronous Fireflies
Western North Carolina is biodiverse, which means we are a natural habitate for a multitude of different species of plants and animals. Many of the species we have here are also rare, and some are endangered. Western North Carolina is home to not just one but two rare species of beetles called fireflies (or lightniing bugs). They are the blue ghost firefly and the synchronous firely Read on to learn about these glowing creatures, and when and where to see them.
Blue Ghost Fireflies in Western North Carolina
Walk quietly through the woods of Western North Carolina from late April through mid-July and you might see tiny blue lights floating along the forest floor. These are Phausis reticulata—blue ghost fireflies. These rare fireflies (also called lightning bugs) are bioluminescent beetles found only in the Southern Appalachian mountains. At just ¼ inch long (the size of a grain of rice), they rank among the world's smallest fireflies. Unlike common fireflies that flash, blue ghosts emit a sustained blue-white glow for up to one minute at a time.
Blue Ghost Fireflies
For just a couple of weeks a year, the enchanting blue ghost fireflies make their appearance in several valley areas near Asheville and also in the WNC High Country. They are different from other fireflies since their light stays on as they fly just above the forest floor. According to Brevard College Professor Dr. Jennifer Frick-Ruppert, "They do not flash. Instead, they glow constantly with dim bluish-white light, drifting silently just inches off the ground. With hundreds of thousands of these fireflies meandering aglow over the dark forest floor, the ground seems eerily adrift."
What Makes Blue Ghosts Unique
Male blue ghosts fly 18 inches to three feet above the ground, emitting their eerie blue glow while seeking mates. They can control their light intensity. Wingless females hide in leaf litter below, emitting an intensely white light visible up to 10 feet away. Males zip around until they find a female whose light pattern matches theirs. Blue ghosts are one of the at least 19 firefly species in the Great Smoky Mountains and the rarest of them all.
How to See Blue Ghosties
Finding these fireflies is part of the adventure. You can go out on your own or book a tour (see options below). Be sure to follow these tips for the most successful and safe experience, and to avoid harming our rare firefly populations.
- The best conditions include little or no moon, temperatures above 50°F, and dry weather (light rain is OK).
- Darkness is key. Do not use lights, cameras, or phones. The lights confuse fireflies and interfere with mating, which can reduce their population. If you must have some light, use a red light at low intensity.
- Stay on paths and never walk through leaf litter where fireflies live and lay eggs. Do no harm.
- Apply insect repellent before you arrive, not in the forest—it can kill fireflies.
- Don't catch fireflies. This can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness. Don't interfere with their mating and lifecycles.
Blue Ghost Tours & Lodging
Grandfather Mountain: Firefly Viewing - Limited Spots - Lottery System
Grandfather Mountain is a destination in Linville, NC, managed by a nonprofit organization dedicated inspiring conservation of the natural world through education, exploration and example, hosts Grandfather Glows. It is a wonderful attraction to visit—awe-inspiring for people of all ages. The blue ghosts and synchronous fireflies typically appear at Grandfather Mountain in May and early June. See the photo on this page taken at a recent firefly viewing event. Grandfather Mountain's research has confirmed their presence among 10 firefly and illuminating insect species on the mountain. They launch a a lottery system in May ($5 per lottery ticket, $40-50 per event ticket). The event accomodates wheelchari uses and lasts 7-11 pm. No flash photography, no pet, and no alcohol permitted. Check their website for details on this event. See also the synchronous fireflies information and events on this page. Photo below by Leslie Restivo provided courtesy of Grandfather Mountain.
Nature For My Soul: Firefly Tours - Private - Limited Spots
See the enchanting Blue Ghost fireflies on this unique tour happening just two weeks during the month of May. Walking tours include small group activities, learning about the natural history of fireflies in these mountains, and the magical experience of seeing this natural light show! Go to their website for info and tickets.
Asheville Wellness Tours: Blue Ghost Firefly Night Tour - Private - Limited Spots
Enjoy a guided hike in a serene, private forest—away from the crowds— as the sun sets and the awe-inspiring Blue Ghost Fireflies appear. This intimate experience, lasting three hours and limited to 20 participants, invites you to quiet your mind and embrace the magic of the forest.
Dates: May 7 through 17. From $165. Go to their website for info and tickets.
Asheville Wellness Tours: Blue Ghost Firefly - Overnight Retreat - Private - Limited Spots
Experience the awe-inspiring Blue Ghost Fireflies right outside your door in this overnight retreat with exclusive access to 900+ acres of private conservation land, away from the crowds. Includes a guided night walk (forest bathing), family-style dinner, accommodations, and breakfast.
Dates: May 7 through 17. From $350. Go to their website for info and tickets.
Tuxedo Falls: Blue Ghost Firefly Walks - Secluded Glamping Resort
Blue Ghost Fireflies frequent Tuxedo Falls, a glamping retreat on 50 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains. When you stay in either of the two true treehouses built by The Treehouse Guys or the four Bushtec safari-style luxury tents, you can join the seasonal Blue Ghost firefly walks. Learn more.
Synchronous Fireflies in Western North Carolina
Synchronous Fireflies at Grandfather Mountain
Synchronous fireflies thrive in Grandfather Mountain's northern hardwood forests. They apppear for a few weeks mid-June through mid-July. These habitat specialists coordinate their flashes in a stunning natural light show as males and females call and respond to each other. Grandfather Mountain hosts annual Grandfather Glows events during peak mating season, opening a portion of the mountain for three special evenings. Each four-hour event (7-11 PM) begins with educational programs in MacRae Meadows led by park naturalists, then moves to viewing areas before dark. The events accommodate wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. No pets, flash photography, and no alcohol permitted. They launch a a lottery system in May ($5 per lottery ticket, $40-50 per event ticket). Check their website for details on this event. Photo below by Leslie Restivo provided courtesy of Grandfather Mountain.
Great Smoky Mountains
Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are another one of the species of fireflies that live in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They are the only species in America whose individuals can synchronize their flashing light patterns. The Great Smoky Mountains is one of the few places in the world to see synchronous fireflies, and people flock here from all over the country to see them for a couple of weeks in late May or early June. The season varies a little depending on weather conditions.
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
Another recently discovered spot to watch synchronized fireflies is deep in the Nantahala National Forest at Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in Graham County. They typically appear between late May and mid-June. Watch them from dusk until about 11 PM. If the moon is bright, the show will be delayed 30 minutes or so. On cool nights (below 50 degrees) and on misty evenings following rain, the flashing may be greatly reduced or altogether absent. Arrive before sunset and bring a flashlight covered with blue or red cellophane in order to retain your night vision. Walk up the trail to a bench and watch the woods light up. You can also watch the blue ghost fireflies here in June. Read more about Joyce Kilmer Forest.
Photos by the very talented Spencer Black from Asheville!
