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Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Ed Chapman
Event Date:
2025-07-18
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Rutgers University Somerset Street New Brunswick, NJ
Province/State:
New Jersey
Event Date:
2025-07-18
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:15
End Time:
21:00
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Ed Chapman
Additional Observers:
Norma Hoffman
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:
Mature oaks, maples, evergreens; mowed lawn
Elevation (meters):
65
Area Searched (hectares):
1
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:
Post lighting, some security lighting, vehicles nearby but not through site.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
30-50 males flying 3-6 feet scattered across the lawn; a few stationary females spotted.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:15
Last Flash Time:
21:00
First Flash Temp (F):
75
Last Flash Temp (F):
75
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
6
Flash Duration:
1
Flash Interval:
5
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Scattered across mowed lawn under mature shade trees. Interestingly, as darkness progresses, they move more toward security lights.
Male Flash Behavior:
One flash, 5 second intervals, typical upswing J pattern.
Female Flash Behavior:
Females stationary, single flash, intermittent flash pattern.
1 thought on “Observation: Photinus pyralis”
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Thanks for submitting this firefly observation! Even without photos, this observation can be verified based on the characteristic flash pattern, and the urban setting also makes sense for Photinus pyralis.
Interesting observation about the security lighting!