What are Blue Ghost Fireflies?
The Blue Ghost fireflies (Phausis reticulate) are a rare, beautiful, and unique firefly species found in the mountains of western North Carolina, including the Brevard area. They are known for their distinctive blue-green glow, different from the typical yellow or green light emitted by other firefly species.
They are the only firefly in North America that emits blue light, and they are one of the smallest fireflies in the world, measuring only about 1/4 inch long.
Do both the male and female emit a blue light?
Blue ghost fireflies are only active for a few weeks each year during their mating season in late May and early June. During this time, the males fly low over the forest floor, glowing with a steady blue light. The females, who do not fly, will glow with a fainter blue light from the ground. When a male sees a female, he lands near her and flashes his light in a specific pattern. If the female is interested, she will flash her light back. Once they have matched patterns, they will mate.
Where can I see the Blue Ghost fireflies?
Some popular locations for viewing Blue Ghost fireflies in Brevard and the surrounding areas include:
- DuPont State Recreational Forest – One of the most popular spots for viewing Blue Ghost fireflies. The forest offers several hiking trails that lead to streams and waterfalls where the fireflies live.
- Pisgah National Forest – This large forest has many trails and camping areas, making it ideal for seeing fireflies.
- The Cradle of Forestry – This historic site in Pisgah National Forest offers guided tours during the Blue Ghost firefly season.
- Cataloochee Valley – This remote valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is another location for viewing.
- Terra Nova Center – Offers two Blue Ghost Firefly experiences in 2024. May 14 and June 2. Visit their website for more information.
Blue Ghost FireFly season has short window. We hope you have an opportunity to witness this natural phenomenon. It’s truly a magical experience.
What is the best time to see the Blue Ghost Fireflies?
Typically late May to early June is the best time to see this unique little firefly.
This species of firefly is an integral part of the Appalachian ecosystem. The Blue Ghosts are a food source for bats and other predators, and they help pollinate plants; they are a popular tourist attraction, and people come from all over the world to see them.
Unfortunately, blue ghost fireflies’ numbers are declining due to habitat loss and light pollution, such as artificial light from homes and businesses which disrupt their mating rituals. If you want to preserve the blue ghost fireflies, do your part to protect them. You can do this by supporting organizations working to conserve their habitat and by reducing your use of artificial light.
To increase your chances of seeing the Blue Ghosts plan your visit on a clear night with minimal light pollution. Respect their habitat by not using flashlights or disturbing their natural environment.
Thank you for including information about their fragility and the importance of protecting the fireflies’ natural habitat!
More options: Asheville Wellness Tours offers a Blue Ghost Firefly night adventure or overnight retreat on private conservation land (far away from the crowds) with smaller groups than you’ll find elsewhere like the Cradle of Forestry (their program is amazing, too, though!!) https://ashevillewellnesstours.com/blue-ghost-firefly-tours/
Asheville Hiking Tours offers night tours as well. This year, I believe they’re hiking in an area with synchronous fireflies too! (2026)
Some areas that you can access without tickets or permits are really being overrun and devastated by high traffic and guests who don’t know that bright lights and wandering off trail destroy these elusive creatures. Whether you venture out independently or prefer to explore with a guide, I hope anyone who is interested has the opportunity to witness these rare, magical beings and to connect more deeply with the sense of awe and wonder. Happy trails!
Nicole I know that property and it is beautiful spot of Blue Ghost tours. Thank you for sharing.
-Squirrely
I had one in my house in Chambersburg Pennsylvania. The only one I’ve ever seen and I am 86 years old.
Thank you for letting us know. Congratulations on seeing your first white squirrel.
I would love to see a picture of them because the picture of the bug you showed me did not look like the little fairies that I saw at a campground. They actually did look like a ferry. It looked like it had little hands and legs, and the wings. That just looks like a bug to me. I’d like to see some pictures of them when they’re lit up and flying.
We have bought some land adjacent to the forest and it is mostly undisturbed. I’m excited that we will be in town during the right time. Do they tend to be only close to streams? I’m trying to figure out if we will just be likely to see them on the forest floor at elevation, or if we need to get ourselves somewhere else. Also, curious if there are things we can do / plant/ not do as new landowners to support them. (I already understand the part about light pollution.) Thank you!
To find blue ghosts, look for an area that is forrested, has deep leaf litter, and is moist. Finding an area that in on a north-facing slope with a stream is the perfect habitat for them.
Female Blue Ghosts are very fragile and can not fly and can dry out very quickly thats why they need moist leaf litter in order to survive. (Only the males fly). If there has been any building or farming on the site the blue ghosts will not repopulate in those areas. It is very very hard for blue ghosts to recolonize an area once their habitat is destroyed.
We want to plan a trip the last weekend of May to see the blue fireflies and maybe bring the grandchildren. But we need more info, please..
Hi Lorraine,
The Cradle of Forestry is offering Blue Ghost Fireflies tour you can reach out directly to them. We have included a link to their Blue Ghost Firefly tour page. Enjoy.
Grammiemac@mail.com
Looking for info on Tours to see Blue Fireflies in Brevard and Chimney rock. Also trails to hike
Kathee
The Cradle of Forestry is offering Blue Ghost Fireflies tour. There are plenty of hiking trails in Pisgah Forest.
I live in Horse Shoe NC. Our lane is a Blue Ghost habitat but the county road crew come and scrape up our leaf mulch and disturb them. How can I get a DO NOT MOW or a PROTECTED HABIT sign? I’ve had to erect a barrier to try to stop them from destroying the habitat. The county is of no help.
Catherine,
You could go to your local printer and have them print you sign.
Amazon sells signs. Or just google your question
Sheryl,
Thank you for your response. Amazon is an option but we always try to support our local businesses services.
I live in Covington Georgia and i have seen the white light that are in my backyard.
Grammiemac@mail.com
I live near Covington, I would love to see that in your backyard. My brother was raised in Covington and still lives there. Please let me know if that’s possible.
I was wondering the best way to see the fireflies. Do we need to register in advance if so, how do we go about doing this? I don’t see a place where we can sign up. Thank you!
Amiee,
You might want to check with the Cradle of Forestry. They have done tours in the past but space was limited. I have them in my backyard and are truly magical to see.
What area do you live in?
We are located in Brevard, North Carolina.
Thank you!