Blue Ghost Fireflies Outing
May 10 @ 7:45 pm - 9:00 pm
Free for TCWP members. $25 for non-members to join
This special evening event has been arranged for TCWP by Becky Charles and her son, Ezekiel, on a wooded property located between Oak Ridge and Clinton. Blue ghost fireflies (Phausis reticulata) are a small variety of firefly present only in mature wooded environments. They have a pale green lantern that can be seen when viewed closely; however, when viewed at a distance they can give a light blue impression. They do not flash like most other species, and instead have a sustained glow that may last minutes at a time. They appear as dots of light slowly wandering among the trees, 1 to 4 feet off the ground and casting a spotlight downward. They are searching the forest floor for females, who remain in a larval form through adulthood.
Ezekiel will be our firefly trail guide. The viewing trail is relatively smooth and just wide enough to let a vehicle pass. Our walk leaders will use glow sticks at the front and rear of the group to help participants orient; however, it is a forested trail that will be dark. This event may not be suitable for anyone with particularly poor night vision or who is at all unsteady on their feet.
We will meet for carpooling in Oak Ridge at the Gold’s Gym/Books-A-Million parking lot (at the end close to S. Illinois Avenue, near Salsarita’s). The fireflies become active toward the end of dusk, so participants should be at the parking lot in time to leave at 7:45 p.m. Eastern. Bring a folding chair if you have one; we’ll toast marshmallows after the walk!
Participation in this outing will be limited. To register, contact TCWP Executive Director Nancy Manning at nancymanning3@gmail.com.