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Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Sydney Mason
Event Date:
2025-06-14
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Fort Eustis
Province/State:
Virginia
Event Date:
2025-06-14
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:10
End Time:
21:06
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Sydney Mason
Additional Observers:
NA
Target Species Genus:
Photinus
Target Species Species:
pyralis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Developed - Sub/urban areas; parks/gardens
Habitat Type Notes:
Very short grass mixed with patches of clover and wild onions. Some scattered bushes, various species. Two HUGE oak trees with broad canopies, as well as a metal gazebo structure. Small square "park" area surrounded on all sides by townhouses.
Elevation (meters):
2
Area Searched (hectares):
1
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
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): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
Two pathway lamps present, very dark amber, not putting out much light at all, and somewhat distant. Several porch lights.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:10
Last Flash Time:
21:06
First Flash Temp (F):
78
Last Flash Temp (F):
78
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
1
Flash Duration:
1
Flash Interval:
5
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Flashes ranged widely from very close to the ground, all the way up to the tops of the trees, about 20ft into the air, give or take. Most seemed to be flashing around 6-10ft in the air.
Male Flash Behavior:
Singular flashes, about 5 seconds apart, while flying slowly in a linear, horizontal fashion. Males were still flashing after I had left, and had certainly started before I arrived.
Female Flash Behavior:
None observed.
