Kg Dew Fireflies.
Fireflies are also called Lightning Bugs. Named as they are nocturnal luminous of the beetle family Lampyridae, consisting of about 2,000 species that inhibit tropical and temperate regions. The common glowworm is a member of this family. They shine in the night like fire to attract sexual partner.
Fireflies in Kg Dew is in the species of Pteroptyx tener. The mangrove trees called "berembang trees" by the local grow along the riverbanks of Sungai Sepetang river. These are the trees where the fireflies or "kelip kelip" in the local language stay and feed on its dew. Like other bugs their life cycle is eggs, larvae, pupa and firefly. Female firefly lays their eggs on a snail. After hatching the larvae live in the snail and eat it. As a predator the larvae consume everything they could hunt.
During the day, the firefly retreat to the grasses near the mangrove trees.
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 Kg Dew, Perak about 45 minutes or so drive from Penang Bridge.
The best time to visit firefly is after nightfall at approximately 7:00pm to 11:00pm. 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 2.00 am. Make sure that you do not go too late.
Who to contact
Kg Dew Fireflies Eco-tourism, Pejabat Penyelaras Jeti Kg Dew, 34700 Simpang, Taiping.
Tel 019 5788982 Azman, 0135256508 Zul
amirulisa@yahoo.com.my
