Statistical analysis reveals the onset of synchrony in sparse swarms of <i>Photinus knulli</i> fireflies

Sarfati, Raphaël; Gaudette, Laura; Cicero, Joseph M.; Peleg, Orit

doi:10.1101/2022.01.05.475109

Cited by 5 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…S2). In prior studies of synchronous fireflies, a high degree of synchronization is reached only at high flashing density ( 18 , 19 ). However, we remark that this is not the case here.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 93%

Chimera states among synchronous fireflies

Sarfati

Peleg

2022

Sci. Adv.

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Systems of oscillators often converge to a state of synchrony when sufficiently interconnected. Twenty years ago, the mathematical analysis of models of coupled oscillators revealed the possibility for complex phases that exhibit a coexistence of synchronous and asynchronous clusters, known as “chimera states.” Beyond their recurrence in theoretical models, chimeras have been observed under specifically designed experimental conditions, yet their emergence in nature has remained elusive. Here, we report evidence for the occurrence of chimeras in a celebrated realization of natural synchrony: fireflies. In video recordings of Photuris frontalis fireflies, we observe, within a single swarm, the spontaneous emergence of different groups flashing with the same periodicity but with a constant delay between them. From the three-dimensional reconstruction of the swarm, we demonstrate that these states are stable over time and spatially intertwined. We discuss the implications of these findings on the synergy between mathematical models and collective behavior.

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“…S2). In prior studies of synchronous fireflies, a high degree of synchronization is reached only at high flashing density ( 18 , 19 ). However, we remark that this is not the case here.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 93%

Chimera states among synchronous fireflies

Sarfati

Peleg

2022

Sci. Adv.

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“…Data accessibility. Datasets of three-dimensional reconstructed flash occurrences for 7, 9, 10 August 2021 are made available as part of the electronic supplementary material [25].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Statistical analysis reveals the onset of synchrony in sparse swarms of Photinus knulli fireflies

Sarfati

Gaudette

Cicero³

et al. 2022

J. R. Soc. Interface.

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Flash synchrony within firefly swarms is an elegant but elusive manifestation of collective animal behaviour. It has been observed, and sometimes demonstrated, in a few populations across the world, but exactly which species are capable of large-scale synchronization remains unclear, especially for low-density swarms. The underlying question which we address here is: how does one qualify a collective flashing display as synchronous, given that the only information available is the time and location of flashes? We propose different statistical approaches and apply them to high-resolution stereoscopic video recordings of the collective flashing of Photinus knulli fireflies, hence establishing the occurrence of synchrony in this species. These results substantiate detailed visual observations published in the early 1980s and made at the same experimental site: Peña Blanca Canyon, Coronado National Forest, AZ, USA. We also remark that P. knulli ’s collective flashing patterns mirror those observed in Photinus carolinus fireflies in the Eastern USA, consisting of synchronous flashes in periodic bursts with rapid accretion and quick decay.

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“…Females in the genus Photuris (Souto et al, 2019) are specialist predators of other flashing fireflies, luring patrolling males by mimicking the response flashes of conspecific females (Lloyd, 1980), hawking them from the air (Lloyd and Wing, 1983), and stealing them from spider webs (Faust, 2012). In a few species, such as Photinus carolinus, Photinus knulli, and Photuris frontalis in the United States (Sarfati et al, 2021(Sarfati et al, , 2022, Photinus palaciosi in Mexico, and Luciola sp. in eastern Europe (Baldaccini et al, 1969), flying males synchronize their courtship advertisements when they reach sufficient densities.…”

Section: Firefly Courtship Signaling Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Behavioral responses of bioluminescent fireflies to artificial light at night

Owens

Broeck²,

Cock³

et al. 2022

Front. Ecol. Evol.

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Bioluminescent insects have been the subject of scientific interest and popular wonder for millennia. But in the 21st century, the fireflies, click beetles, and cave glow-worms that brighten our nights are threatened by an unprecedented competitor: anthropogenic light pollution. Artificial lights can obscure the light-based signals on which these and other bioluminescent organisms rely to court mates, deter predators, and attract prey. In the following review we summarize a recent influx of research into the behavioral consequences of artificial light at night for firefly beetles (Coleoptera: Lampyridae), which we organize into four distinct courtship signaling systems. We conclude by highlighting several opportunities for further research to advance this emerging field and by offering a set of up-to-date lighting recommendations that can help land managers and other stakeholders balance public safety and ecological sustainability.

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Statistical analysis reveals the onset of synchrony in sparse swarms of Photinus knulli fireflies

Cited by 5 publications

References 23 publications

Chimera states among synchronous fireflies

Chimera states among synchronous fireflies

Statistical analysis reveals the onset of synchrony in sparse swarms of Photinus knulli fireflies

Behavioral responses of bioluminescent fireflies to artificial light at night

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