Observation: Unknown
Primary Observer:
Joyce Tibbetts
Event Date:
2025-07-05
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
West Brookfield
Province/State:
Massachusetts
Event Date:
2025-07-05
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:30
End Time:
22:30
Number of Observers:
one
Primary Observer:
Joyce Tibbetts
Additional Observers:
NA
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):
730 feet
Area Searched (hectares):
I apologize I don't know what a hectares is, but the area is a typical back yard abutting the woods, sparsely populated residential area
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): 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:
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
unknown
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
So earlier in the season I observed a flash pattern of just one, sometimes two flashes, then I started seeing three and four flashes! Sometimes with the three flash, the third one is shorter. And generally the two, three, and four flash is quick. This current sighting there were mostly two flashes, and the flashes were slow.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:30
Last Flash Time:
22:30
First Flash Temp (F):
69f
Last Flash Temp (F):
67f
Flashes in Pattern:
2
Flash Color:
White
Flash Pattern Period:
~3 seconds
Flash Duration:
1 second
Flash Interval:
1-2 seconds
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
In this area I am observing firefly activity way up high at the tops of the tall trees, AND low near the ground.
Male Flash Behavior:
Apologies, I don't know male from female fireflies! How on earth can one tell?!
