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Observation: Unknown
Primary Observer:
Diane Knutson
Event Date:
2025-06-26
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
Indian Cave State Park Hackberry Hallow Campground Site 18
Province/State:
South Dakota
Event Date:
2025-06-26
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:42
End Time:
22:43
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Diane Knutson
Additional Observers:
Diane Knutson, Andrew Knutson
Target Species Genus:
unknown
Target Species Species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Elevation (meters):
340
Area Searched (hectares):
.01
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: No
Buildings: Yes
Street Lights: No
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): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
Lights from cars, campers, flashlights, and restroom building.
Low level of light pollution present.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
50+
Genus:
unknown
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:28
Last Flash Time:
22:28
First Flash Temp (F):
83
Last Flash Temp (F):
80
Flashes in Pattern:
2
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
6
Flash Duration:
1
Flash Interval:
3
Male Height Zone:
High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
The flashes were all over the place; at tree canopy height, low to the ground, and all over in-between. There were so many flashes they was indistinguishable for counting and identifying them individually. Perhaps 10 flashes every second for hours. Seemed like possibly two different flash patterns. One that was one brief flash for a second, followed by a pause, then another brief flash for a second.
Another pattern was a long flash for about 2-3 seconds once followed by an extended pause or break.
They continued flashing well into the night after we went to sleep.
Male Flash Behavior:
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Unknown”
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A belated thank-you for this firefly observation! It can definitely be overwhelming to try to collect firefly data when there is so much activity, and likely multiple species in the mix. My guess is that you saw a mix of Photinus and Photuris fireflies.
This guide has some great information for Kansas, which I think would be relevant for your location in Nebraska: https://entomology.k-state.edu/doc/WesternFireflies%20March%202016a.pdf