Something for my neighbours (1).

Kuala Selangor Firefly

Firefly, one of the fascinating beetle that abound in Malaysia at one time and is now fast disappearing due to the fast pace of development. Fortunately, there are still firefly to be seen in Kuala Selangor, about 90 minutes or so drive from Kuala Lumpur.

The two locations where visitors can go to are Kampung Kuantan and Kampung Bukit Belimbing in the district of Kuala Selangor. The mangrove trees called "berembang trees" by the local grow along the riverbanks of Kuala Selangor river. These are the trees where the fireflies or "kelip kelip" in the local language stay and feed on its leaves. During the day, they retreat to the grasses near the mangrove trees.

The entrance to Kampung Kuantan Fireflies Par

When night falls, the fireflies will feed on the nectar of the leaves and attract mates with their synchronised flashing green light. The thorax of the insect produces a green grow that flashes at a frequency of 1/3 Hz, or 3 flashes in one second. Each of the berembang tree has different groups of fireflies and each group has flashes that are synchronised.

The fireflies found here is from the "Pteroptye tener" species and is about 6cm in length. They have a lifespan of about 2-3 months.

The picture of a typical firefly found here

Cruising Along The River

The best time to visit the park is after nightfall at approximately 7:30pm to 7:45pm. It is also advisable to go when it is not full moon and not during raining evening. Usually the place is quite packed during the weekends hence try to go during weekdays. One should take note that once the kelip kelip has found its mate, the flashing would stop, usually by 11.00 pm. Make sure that you do not go too late as the park is opened from 7:30pm and closes at 10:30pm.

The non motorised canoe ride