Ghost (firefly) hunting in the Upstate

Blue Ghost fireflies (Phausis reticulata) are a small firefly endemic to the Southern Appalachian mountains and foothills regions of SC, NC, TN, and GA. I have been fascinated with these little fireflies, only about the size of a grain of rice, since seeing them for the first time in 2017 on a nighttime walk in the woods.

As a photographer, I look forward each year to capturing the entrancing, almost magical trails that these fireflies create in the dark parts of the woods every spring.

These fireflies are unique in that the bioluminescence their lanterns create is a steady blue-ish glow, as opposed to a blinking yellow pattern. When captured with a long exposure of at least 30 seconds, they create these amazing patterns and trails through the forest floor!

Blue Ghosts can be seen throughout the Upstate’s higher elevations during the month of May in the darkest parts of the forest away from any light pollution.

Be sure to go out after 9:30 pm, and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for the best chance to find them.

Finally, remember to turn off unnecessary outdoor lighting during this season to encourage firefly activity.

Bobby Bradley is a photographer with a passion for creating and sharing experiences found in the natural world with others. He splits his time between Brevard, NC and Greenville. You can see more of his work at BobbyBradleyPhoto.com.