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Observation: Pyractomena borealis
Primary Observer:
Beth Ozbun
Event Date:
2025-04-22
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
IRWP
Province/State:
Arkansas
Event Date:
2025-04-22
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
19:29
End Time:
22:00
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Beth Ozbun
Additional Observers:
NA
Target Species Genus:
Pyractomena
Target Species Species:
borealis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
Recent storms broke some tree limbs, toppled two older trees
Elevation (meters):
434.93
Area Searched (hectares):
.72
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
Artificial Light Types
Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
50+
Genus:
Pyractomena
Species:
borealis
Observation Notes:
The fireflies were in the tree branches. Some were as low as a couple feet overhead earlier in the survey. They were flying among the branches of trees and seemed to be cruising/looking at multiple trees, not focus on just one.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:30
Last Flash Time:
22:00
First Flash Temp (F):
71
Last Flash Temp (F):
65
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
3
Flash Duration:
.5
Flash Interval:
2
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Males were flying overhead in between trees.
Male Flash Behavior:
The fireflies that were only a few feet overhead never went totally dark. They would flash, then their lanterns would dim until the next flash. I saw one dip and later do a loop. I don’t know if the fireflies higher in the trees darkened between flashes or not.
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Pyractomena borealis”
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Thanks for this survey and observation data!
Interesting observation about the “leaky lanterns” of the fireflies just overhead. I’ve seen this a few times, and I’ve read that it can be due to a health issue (older individuals or some type of infection).