RHYTHMIC SYNCHRONOUS FLASHING IN A BOSNIAN FIREFLY

SUMMARY Rhythmic synchronous flashing in flying males has been observed in a race of Luciola mingrelica Men. of the Sarajevo area. The synchronous flashing displays, which involve several specimens, are short and infrequent; the degree of synchrony is variable. Synchronous flashing may also be induced by rhythmically repeated light pulses. In the process of synchronization between two males, after an initial phase in which one of the specimens responds with a short delay to the flashes of the other, the two partners often get into a synchrony which is apparently perfect to visual observation. Actually a phase difference estimated to be no greather than 130 msec might occur. The mechanisms by which synchrony may be initiated and maintained are discussed.