Fireflies at Jiulong National Wetland Park in Lishui, Zhejiang province. [Photo/WeChat Account: zjlsly2014]

The firefly viewing season at Jiulong National Wetland Park in Lishui, Zhejiang province, under the theme of "Undisturbed Romance", kicked off on April 1 after a one-year hiatus.

The annual activity was suspended in 2023 due to extreme heat and drought in 2022, which led to a decline in the firefly population. As a result, the park focused on environmental conservation and firefly breeding during the period.

According to the latest survey, the subsequent recovery of the firefly population gives reason for optimism, with the distribution area of adult fireflies reaching over 18.81 hectares, a year-on-year increase of around 1.18 hectares.

Liang Hongbin, an associate researcher at the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasized that the fireflies have entered their peak period, expected to last from March 28 to April 4, with a projected population of adult fireflies exceeding one million.

Sensitive to environmental conditions, fireflies usually become active about an hour after sunset, making 7 to 8 pm the best time for observation.

Notably, full moon days and rainy nights are not suitable for firefly-watching. The bright moonlight can diminish the fireflies' glow, while rain dampens their wings, causing them to hide in the grass.

Moonless days, or nights with thick clouds may be the best to appreciate the undisturbed romance at the park.