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Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Rachel Duke
Event Date:
2025-07-04
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Coal Hill Road
Province/State:
Pennsylvania
Event Date:
2025-07-04
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:40
End Time:
21:55
Number of Observers:
3
Primary Observer:
Rachel Duke
Additional Observers:
Alex Davis, Dave Duke
Target Species Genus:
Photinus
Target Species Species:
pyralis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
The survey site features approximately 2 acres of grass, some of which is wet, as a wetland habitat is located in the forest that borders the property. A stream runs through the property, and the plant life is diverse, featuring both deciduous and coniferous trees.
Some of the plant life includes norway spruce, red maple, black raspberry, black walnut, multiflora rose, wild grape, honeysuckle, cattail, and skunk cabbage.
Elevation (meters):
359.664
Area Searched (hectares):
1
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
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): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
This survey was conducted on July 4th, so fireworks would periodically go off in the distance, but not on the property where the survey was conducted.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
We observed by eyesight and photography. This species seemed to be closer to the ground, rather than in the trees, unlike the other species we were observing. We noticed that they were around 2-3 feet off the ground.
In total, we saw roughly 25 males flashing with the distinctive J-shaped flash.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:50
Last Flash Time:
21:55
First Flash Temp (F):
70
Last Flash Temp (F):
68
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
7
Flash Duration:
.5
Flash Interval:
6
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft)
Flash Location:
They were close to the group on the grass. They weren't in the plants but mainly in the open area about the grass.
Male Flash Behavior:
They would do the J-shaped flash and then travel between the flash periods. Normal behavior based on our research before conducting the survey.
Female Flash Behavior:
This was not observed during the survey as a few other species were present and hundreds of fireflies were flashing throughout the survey time.
1 thought on “Observation: Photinus pyralis”
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Nice flash pattern notes and flash pattern photos! Definitely P. pyralis in the mix, and cool that there were several other species as well.