This field project will investigate an unusual type of synchronous flashing in Southeast Asian fireflies. The Borneo "silent counter," a firefly that flashes continuously, pauses, and then flashes continuously again, will be studied using innovative modern technologies. Dr. Copeland and his colleagues will attempt to demonstrate unequivocally that this firefly is a synchronizer and will focus on the activity of the pacemaker oscillator during the dark ("silent") period. The oscillator- like flash behavior of three other closely related species will also be studied, including two continuously synchronic (no pause) fireflies and a non-synchronic firefly. Since all four species look alike and have been classified as Pteroptyx malaccae, some of the fireflies whose flashes have been recorded will be preserved so that their DNA can later be subjected to restriction-enzyme analysis, to provide a biochemical taxonomic identifier for the behavioral and morphological key to this complex of fireflies. Synchronously flashing fireflies live in the fragile tropical environment of Southeast Asia. Logging and industrial development are rapidly destroying the habitat of this unique type of animal. This research, then, will document an unusual variety of synchronic behavior in fireflies before it becomes extinct. Further, it is important to understand the mechanisms underlying synchrony because synchrony occurs in so few organisms. Other than fireflies, synchronous behavior has been demonstrated only in crickets and humans. Thus, this research could yield insights into the human ability to perform in rhythmic unison. In addition, the modern technologies used in this study will provide, for the first time, quantitative data on synchronous flashing on the same time scale as neurophysiological data that will be obtained in future studies. Thus, this project is valuable as a guide for future neurophysiological studies with implications for human biology. Finally, combining this behavioral study with morphological and DNA studies will clarify the taxonomy of these organisms and, thus, how to preserve them better as their natural habitat shrinks.
