HANSON, Frank E.; Unvi. Md. Baltimore County: Synchronous Flashing by Asian Fireflies: Mechanisms Unmasked

Fireflies in many parts of the world exhibit communal flashing with various degrees of synchrony. Those in S.E. Asia are particularly spectacular with nearly perfect synchrony and continuous displays that last for hours. For some spp., the machinery responsible for getting into and maintaining synchrony is a phase-response system, which has many characteristics of circadian rhythm systems but of course at a much faster rate. Probing the system with artificial light flashes reveals that each of these species has a unique phase-response curve and associated behaviors. Yet another category of synchronizing behavior has also been seen, as at least one species is able to synchronize with the community by modifying its natural rhythm. These mechanisms will be discussed and illustrated with video clips of firefly behavior.