Spontaneous Order – the Rhythm of Fireflies

200 LED fireflies in plastic jars, microcontrollers, photodiodes, batteries.

Resonance Studio, installation commissioned by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, 2024

Spontaneous Order – the Rhythm of Fireflies is a tribute to the marvel of watching fireflies in nature. Two hundred jars hang overhead. A light in each jar blinks independently at random with a golden glow. When the light from one jar recognizes another glowing brightly nearby, gradually the blinking between these two synchronizes with each other and their lights turn blue. 

Over time the patterns of the blinking colors shift and flow from one end of the fifty-foot installation to the other. The blue lights independently change back to gold creating new patterns and then synchronize to blue again.

There are over 170 species of fireflies in the United States, but only two of them are synchronous, flashing all together at once.

Accompanying the installation is a custom soundscape, entitled Nocturne. It includes the summer sounds of insects to further immerse the viewer into the flow and flicker of light of Spontaneous Order – the Rhythm of Fireflies.

Photos and video: Resonance Studio

Fireflies are endangered

Fireflies blink to attract their mates. Their specific patterns of flashes and color distinguish each species drawing males and females together. Light pollution interferes with fireflies' mating rituals as it does with other nocturnal insect pollinators like moths.

Firefly populations are declining worldwide due to climate change, habitation loss, pesticides, as well as light pollution. Fireflies’ eggs hatch and grow as larvae unground or in leaf mulch before emerging to become the flying beetle we recognize. When firefly habitats are disturbed, eliminated or dry out from climate change, fireflies and other species of insects and snails die off as well. Deforestation, urbanization, and fragmented agricultural landscapes isolate firefly populations depriving them of food and shelter.

Dimming or turning off outdoors lighting at night and drawing shades can assist in creating more dark spaces for the fireflies to thrive while increasing the opportunities to see them. Spraying pesticides or herbicides kills fireflies along with other beneficial insects. Since fireflies rely on moist habitats, they are also vulnerable to run-off from pesticides.

Ways you can help Fireflies:

Do not use pesticide or herbicides

Tolerate some weeds and leave some leaf litter/woody debris for firefly larvae to grow in

Mow less so the longer grass can retain more moisture

Plant native trees and grasses

Turn down low/off night lighting in gardens and on trees

Use motion controls to turn on outdoor lighting when people approach

Window shades at night or bushes can shade areas from house and car lights

Participate in a community science/art projects based on fireflies and other nocturnal species and their natural habitats

PRESS:

Kalina-Metzger, S., Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh brings back childhood memories with Firefly Exhibit, Herald Standard, December 12, 2024, Section D, pp. 2.