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Observation: Photinus
Primary Observer:
Bekah Torcasso Sanchez
Event Date:
2025-06-12
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
Home
Province/State:
North Carolina
Event Date:
2025-06-12
Time of Day:
Day-Time
Start Time:
20:11
End Time:
20:12
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Bekah Torcasso Sanchez
Additional Observers:
None
Target Species Genus:
unknown
Target Species Species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Developed - Sub/urban areas; parks/gardens
Habitat Type Notes:
Elevation (meters):
95.4024
Area Searched (hectares):
1
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Artificial Light Types
Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Photinus
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:00
Last Flash Time:
20:24
First Flash Temp (F):
86
Last Flash Temp (F):
86
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
5
Flash Duration:
3
Flash Interval:
4
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Understory of trees, Forest edge
Male Flash Behavior:
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Photinus”
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Thank you for submitting this firefly observation! Based on the yellow color of the flash, the dusk display time, and the forest understory location, my guess is that the firefly observed is in the genus Photinus. Based on the suburban context, Photinus pyralis is a likely species, but it would be helpful to have photos to confirm.
The flash pattern timing terms can be a bit confusing, so here is a video explanation of what exactly they refer to: https://youtu.be/cZCcPKq79SM?si=yxH84q5dmkbCNfTW&t=1147 With a single-pulse flash pattern, the flash pattern period should be equal to the flash duration plus the flash interval.