Exploring open- and closed-loop communication between fireflies and LEDs

Several species of male fireflies display a dazzling ability to synchronize their flash timings when interacting in mating swarms. When individuals are kept in isolated tents, similar synchronization can be induced via exposure to a fixed-frequency LED near the natural frequency of the individual firefly. This is a closed-loop interaction in which the firefly responds to the artificial light signal, but the light signal does not respond to the firefly. Here we explore trials of the first-ever open-loop communication system between fireflies and LEDs, where the behavior of the firefly and the LED both influence each other. Using applied computer vision, we enable a Raspberry Pi connected to a camera and a LED to communicate with captive fireflies via mathematical models of synchronization. We present details of the implementation and preliminary results from a pilot field season introducing the system to two species of fireflies. Finally, we explore applications of such a system in the context of perturbing natural fireflies and inducing behavioral changes in swarms.