Taipei Travel

With the weather turning warm, Taipei Zoo pointed out that the long-awaited firefly season is about to begin. For those who wish to watch the sparkling and dancing lights at nighttime, this is your opportunity!

This year, Taipei Zoo will be holding the Firefly Family Experience Camp on April 22, 23, 30, and 31. Guides will take parents and kids on a journey to understand the behaviors and life of fireflies, as well as the diversity and ecosystem of these creatures. 

Taipei Zoo Director Chen Yi-tsung explained that in the past, the warm weather usually takes place around late March. At this time, visitors will see spots of lights appear around nighttime at the Insect Valley behind the zoo’s Insectarium. However, the temperature around March remains cold this year, pushing back the reappearance time of the fireflies to April. Taipei Zoo expects with the continued rising of temperature, the next two weeks will be the best time to observe these tiny insects.

For those who are unable to reserve a place at this year’s event, don’t give up. You can also carry out firefly-spotting on your own. Simply find a place where there is relatively little light pollution (example: Maokong area) and you will have a chance to see them at night. The majority of fireflies appearing at the wilds in Taipei are black-winged fireflies, while those seen at riversides are usually aquatic fireflies.

Taipei Zoo reminds those who plan to do some firefly-spotting to take heed of their surroundings as some of the top locations may have little illumination. Before they secure a place and start observing, they should turn off the flashlight and let their eyes get used to the dark. Also, remember not to catch, distract, or illuminate the fireflies.