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Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Emily Geest
Event Date:
2025-07-09
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanic Garden
Province/State:
Oklahoma
Event Date:
2025-07-09
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:30
End Time:
22:00
Number of Observers:
20
Primary Observer:
Emily Geest
Additional Observers:
Michelle Scott, Scott Carpenter, Kyle Falls, Shelby Yates, Sue Hunt, Claudia Pina, Jay, Zoe, Emily, Emma Bower, Wren Geiger, Zack Geiger, Lili Geiger, Sereh Geiger, Kayli Anne W., Bradley Folwer, Candece Rumrold, Stephanie Harrison, Janice Talbert, Rueben Avila.
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:
Zoo and botanical gardens. The area we searched before we were rained out was a shrubby wooded area beside a large lake.
Elevation (meters):
366
Area Searched (hectares):
1.46
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
vending machines, interior building lights, light reflection off lake surface
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
vending machines, interior building lights, light reflection off lake surface
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): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
34 males and 1 female. The majority were in the wooded area beside the lake. The males flew in a J-shape.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:45
Last Flash Time:
21:29
First Flash Temp (F):
83
Last Flash Temp (F):
83
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
7
Flash Duration:
1
Flash Interval:
4-5
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
chest height in the brushy area below the trees. As the night went on, they moved above us out of reach.
Male Flash Behavior:
1 flash that lasts about 1sec. They started out with 4 secs in-between each flash but it slowed to 5 secs in-between each flash by 9:30.
Female Flash Behavior:
1 flash that lasted about 1.5 secs. was a response about 3 seconds after male.
