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Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Rebecca Stevenson
Event Date:
2025-07-08
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Tecumseh South Elementary School
Province/State:
Kansas
Event Date:
2025-07-08
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:00
End Time:
21:15
Number of Observers:
13
Primary Observer:
Rebecca Stevenson
Additional Observers:
Aubrey Mesecher, Corey Mesecher, Brynlee Woolbert, Becca Woolbert, Mahria Dillard, Mr. Dillard, Masyn Dillard, Jaqobi Dillard, Jaqari Dillard, Brooklyn Davis, Brody Davis, Angie Davis
Target Species Genus:
Photinus
Target Species Species:
pyralis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
25-50
Habitat Type:
Developed - Sub/urban areas; parks/gardens
Habitat Type Notes:
open mowed park area with osage orange, walnut, hackberry, and elm
Elevation (meters):
294
Area Searched (hectares):
.8
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
Artificial Light Types
Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): Yes
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:
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
The P. pyralis males came out earlier than the other species. They tended to dip in the mowed grass.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:00
Last Flash Time:
21:15
First Flash Temp (F):
80
Last Flash Temp (F):
79
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
6 seconds
Flash Duration:
1 second
Flash Interval:
5 seconds
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft)
Flash Location:
Males were flashing about 1 ft above mowed grass across the entire lawn.
Male Flash Behavior:
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Photinus pyralis”
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Thanks for submitting this firefly observation! Even without photos, I feel comfortable confirming the ID as Photinus pyralis based on the description of the flash behavior, which fits very well with this species.