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IN PHOTOS: Going to see fireflies? Avoid these 4 human activities that can harm them

Updated On: 28 May, 2026 01:47 PM IST | Nascimento Pinto

Maharashtra’s fireflies are facing a threat due to overcrowding and unplanned tourism. Experts reveal how to be an ethical visitor this season (Story by Devashish Kamble)

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Here's your complete guide to be a responsible tourist while going to see them. Photos Courtesy: File pics/Pexels

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Here's your complete guide to be a responsible tourist while going to see them. Photos Courtesy: File pics/Pexels
Every year in May, hordes of tourists chase the spectacle in spots like Bhandardara, Rajmachi, and Kothaligad.  Fireflies live in the observation sites all year long. They only light up during the mating season between summer and monsoon. Any disruption to the mating ritual, hence, affects two generations of fireflies. It is important to pay attention to these four important things while going to see them

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Every year in May, hordes of tourists chase the spectacle in spots like Bhandardara, Rajmachi, and Kothaligad. 

Fireflies live in the observation sites all year long. They only light up during the mating season between summer and monsoon. Any disruption to the mating ritual, hence, affects two generations of fireflies.

It is important to pay attention to these four important things while going to see them

LightsWith visitors choosing to go solo, headlights from cars and flash photography adds to light pollution. Opt for group buses, and turn off your torches in the area

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Lights
With visitors choosing to go solo, headlights from cars and flash photography adds to light pollution. Opt for group buses, and turn off your torches in the area

SoundsNo honking, and leave your speakers at home. The vibrations can disrupt the insects’ mating behaviour

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Sounds
No honking, and leave your speakers at home. The vibrations can disrupt the insects’ mating behaviour

FireBonfires and open, live barbecue dinners have no place in the firefly sites. The smoke drives fireflies away

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Fire
Bonfires and open, live barbecue dinners have no place in the firefly sites. The smoke drives fireflies away

EncroachmentFireflies can perch on trees nearly six feet above the ground. Entering the perimeter of the tree can trample eggs, and fireflies resting under the tree    

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Encroachment
Fireflies can perch on trees nearly six feet above the ground. Entering the perimeter of the tree can trample eggs, and fireflies resting under the tree

 

 

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