For a few weeks every year, a unique light show illuminates the forests of Congaree National Park. Photuris frontalis, a species of synchronous firefly, emerge to mate each summer, delighting the visitors who are lucky enough to secure a ticket to the event.
Synchronous fireflies coordinate their belly lanterns to flash at the exact same time. The species at Congaree is one of only three synchronous firefly species in North America, according to the National Park Service. The Photuris frontalis are also known as “snappy syncs,” for their quick, steady flashes that occur about twice a second.
These insects emerge for only a few weeks to mate. The flashing typically begins shortly after sunset and lasts about one hour. The blinking can also be seen just before dawn.
This year’s event will take place May 14-21.
How to score a ticket
The phenomenon used to be a little-known local event, but now it draws thousands of visitors to Congaree. As the fireflies brought more and more visitors to the park, staff instituted a lottery ticket system to attend.
The pass lottery will begin at 10:00 a.m. EDT Thursday, April 3 and will remain open for one week, ending at 10:00 a.m. EDT Wednesday, April 9. Entries must be made through the online lottery page at https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/300008 and are limited to one per household, according to a park release. All applicants will be notified on Wednesday, April 16 whether they have or have not been awarded a pass.
There will be 145 passes awarded for each night, with each pass admitting one vehicle of up to eight passengers.
To best protect critical firefly habitat and allow park staff and volunteers to prepare for the event, certain areas of the park will be closed to all visitors daily at 4:30 p.m. The event ends at 10:00 p.m. each night, and visitors will be asked to leave the park afterward.
During this period the following areas of the park will be closed:
- The Harry Hampton Visitor Center, boardwalk, and frontcountry hiking trails.
- Bannister Bridge Canoe Launch.
- Cedar Creek between Bannister Bridge and South Cedar Creek Canoe Launch.
- Longleaf and Bluff Campgrounds
