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Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Cat
Event Date:
2025-07-26
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Buckhorne Campground, Clifton Forge, VA
Province/State:
Virginia
Event Date:
2025-07-26
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:30
End Time:
20:55
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Cat
Additional Observers:
NA
Target Species Genus:
Photinus
Target Species Species:
pyralis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream
Habitat Type Notes:
Campground area with open, grassy area in the middle, and trees (and campers) around the perimeter. Stream--where most fireflies are found--is along the southern edge of the campground. Variety of trees from black maple, sycamore, eastern hemlock, shag bark hickory, etc.
Elevation (meters):
355.32
Area Searched (hectares):
0.0076
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: No
Buildings: Yes
Security Light
Street Lights: No
Buildings: Yes
Security Light
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): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
Primarily security lights, but also occasionally cars driving thru the campground or driving on the nearby road. But, security light doesn't reach area of primary firefly activity, and neither do most car lights. Most campers don't use outdoor lighting.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
50+
Genus:
Photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
This firefly was flashing on the wing, about 3 - 4 feet off the ground, within 15 meters of the stream bed. Seemed to be a smallish firefly. Based on flash pattern and pictures I'm guessing this is the common eastern firefly. Sorry about the quality of the pictures!
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:30
Last Flash Time:
20:55
First Flash Temp (F):
76
Last Flash Temp (F):
76
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
5 - 7
Flash Duration:
0.5
Flash Interval:
0
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Stream/riparian area along the southern edge of the campground is the area where most of the fireflies hang out. Fireflies are most active from about 8:30 pm to 8:45 pm starting lower to the ground, then gradually getting higher. Activity diminished after 8:45 pm and mostly done by 9:00 pm.
Male Flash Behavior:
Many fireflies flashing, and all seemed to have the flash pattern of 1 leisurely flash, a pause for 5 - 7 seconds, then a repeat. I'm guessing common eastern firefly.
Female Flash Behavior:
Unknown.
1 thought on “Observation: Photinus pyralis”
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Thanks for submitting this firefly observation, and nice job getting both photos and flash pattern details. I agree that these were big dippers (Photinus pyralis), based on the flash pattern and the color pattern on the “tail” (pygidium). The early evening display time is also a helpful clue.