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Observation: Photinus
Primary Observer:
Eric Egelund
Event Date:
2025-07-22
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Browns Road
Province/State:
Florida
Event Date:
2025-07-22
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:30
End Time:
21:30
Number of Observers:
3
Primary Observer:
Eric Egelund
Additional Observers:
Alexander Egelund; Pierce Egelund
Target Species Genus:
unknown
Target Species Species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
25-50
Habitat Type:
Forested Wetland - Swamp, cedar bog, mangrove
Habitat Type Notes:
Low of wax myrtle bushes, high grass (no pesticides), bay trees.
Elevation (meters):
10
Area Searched (hectares):
0.5
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:
Photinus
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
Approximately 5-6 mm in length (see attached photos). Stayed within a wooded area for the most part; also flew higher and were difficult to catch. Caught 3 males. Flashes were probably close to four seconds.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:30
Last Flash Time:
21:20
First Flash Temp (F):
83
Last Flash Temp (F):
82
Flashes in Pattern:
>4
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
Unknown
Flash Duration:
1 second
Flash Interval:
2-4 seconds
Male Height Zone:
High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Fireflies rarely came out of the tree coverage, also many remained over ten feet or higher.
Male Flash Behavior:
Flashed every two to four seconds or so. Did not flash once caught in net.
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Photinus”
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Thanks for submitting this firefly observation! The individual you photographed is a female, based on the single, central lantern. Photinus species in Florida that are 5-6 mm long and have a marking on the headshield like the one you photographed include Photinus consanguineus, Photinus floridanus, Photinus jamesi, and Photinus lineellus. To reach a species ID, it would be helpful to look closely at the pygidium (last abdominal segment), as well as to confirm the male flash pattern.
My best guess might be Photinus floridanus, as P. lineellus is mostly a wetland species and P. consanguineus and P. jamesi have 2-pulse flash patterns. The flash pattern interval for P. floridanus is described as being 3-3.5 seconds.