Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

20th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
HIMEBOTARU and sleeping butterflies

"Himebotaru" is a small firefly about 6-8 mm in length that lives in the forest. They emit a short, intense light like a flash. I have been researching and photographing this firefly habitat for 10 years. In the evening when I arrive at the filming location of "Himebotaru", I sometimes see butterflies sleeping on the grass.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2022
Photo Location: Nambu Town, Tottori Prefecture, Japan
Camera: ILCE-7RM2
Copyright: © Masahiro Hiroike