On summer nights in Jun'an Town, Shunde District, Foshan, there is a romantic "starlight party".
Recently, locals spotted tiny glimmers of light dancing over the Xingcha embankment (星槎堤围), like stars gently falling through the night sky. Swarms of fireflies danced gracefully among the grass and trees, leaving glowing trails in the night air. A dreamlike poem was woven into the fabric of the summer night in this water town.
Fireflies, a type of small beetle, are named for the bioluminescent glow they emit from the tips of their abdomens. This glow is produced by a special organ containing luciferin and the enzyme luciferase, which emits light after reacting with oxygen. Male fireflies use species-specific flashing patterns to signal their love to females.
Most active during warm and humid seasons, fireflies usually emerge between 18:00 and 20:00. However, they tend to stay out of sight during rainy nights or under the bright glow of a full moon.
Fireflies move so unpredictably that photographing them is no easy feat. To capture this magical moment, photographer Huang Jieli blended dozens of photos into one composite image.
Catching sight of fireflies is a quiet test of patience. When observing or photographing fireflies, please keep the following in mind:
Fireflies are delicate creatures. Never attempt to catch them. Once captured, they stop glowing and cannot survive. With a lifespan of just 3 to 7 days, these tiny beings lead brief but brilliant lives. Please cherish and respect their fleeting beauty.
For your safety and comfort, wear long sleeves and pants to minimize mosquito bites. However, avoid applying insect repellent, as its strong scent may deter fireflies from appearing.
When taking photos, maintain a proper distance and tread lightly to avoid disturbing the soil that delicate firefly larvae inhabit. Avoid using camera flashes or flashlights. If illumination is needed, please wrap your flashlight in red cellophane, as bright lights can interfere with their communication and mating behaviors.
Photo | Nanfang Plus
Editor | Zhang Xuanzhen (intern), Hong Ting (intern), Liu Lingzhi, James, Shen He
