Not Just for Summer Nights – Fireflies Still Light Up Dongshi Forest Farm in Autumn and Winter

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Fireflies are no longer just a summer night phenomenon. As autumn arrives, they can also be spotted in Dongshi Forest Farm in Taichung and the surrounding mountain towns, predominantly the mountain window firefly and the orange firefly. Their glowing patterns differ from those of summer fireflies. Industry insiders estimate that the enchanting nightly glow can last until the end of November, gradually fading after December.

▲ Dongshi Forest Farm sparkles with “firefly” lights during the transition from spring to summer, but fireflies also appear in autumn and winter. The photo above was taken in summer. (Photo / FromDongshi Forest Farm Recreation Area’s Facebook fan page)

Dongshi Forest Farm notes that autumn and winter mark the mating season for mountain window fireflies and orange fireflies, resulting in a significant presence of these insects within the park. Most notably, both males and females emit light, so on many nights, faint yellow-green glows can be seen emanating from the grass. Unlike other summer fireflies, these two species flash more rapidly and possess larger abdominal light organs.

The autumn fireflies are relatively large, resembling big worms. Among them, only the males can fly, while the females, due to wing degeneration, typically crawl through the grass. Dongshi Forest Farm states that although the quantity and frequency of sightings for autumn and winter-type fireflies are not as high as in summer, their peak appearance period is before the end of November—visitors are encouraged to seize the chance to enjoy the sight.

▲ Mountain window fireflies seeking mates during the autumn and winter season. (Photo / From the Feitsui Reservoir Environmental Learning Center website)