Observation: Photinus

Observation: Photinus

Primary Observer:

Laurie Angus

Event Date:

2025-07-09

Status:

Unverified

Survey

Site Name:

West End Ave

Province/State:

New York

Event Date:

2025-07-09

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

20:40

End Time:

20:55

Number of Observers:

1

Primary Observer:

Laurie Angus

Additional Observers:

N/A

Target Species Genus:

Photinus

Target Species Species:

pyralis

Location and Habitat

Location Accuracy (meters):

0-25

Habitat Type:

Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story

Habitat Type Notes:

Habitat transition--small backyard grassy area borders dense bushes and woods--small creek runs through wooded area

Elevation (meters):

60.96

Area Searched (hectares):

.20234

Artificial Light Sources

Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No

Artificial Light Types

Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): Yes
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:

50+

Genus:

Photinus

Species:

unknown

Observation Notes:

 

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

20:40

Last Flash Time:

20:55

First Flash Temp (F):

75

Last Flash Temp (F):

75

Flashes in Pattern:

1

Flash Color:

Yellow

Flash Pattern Period:

6-7

Flash Duration:

brief--less than a second

Flash Interval:

5-6

Male Height Zone:

Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)

Flash Location:

grass, bushes, trees--from approx. 1 foot above ground to almost tops of trees

Male Flash Behavior:

 

Female Flash Behavior:

 

1 thought on “Observation: Photinus”

  1. Nice observation of a female Photinus firefly! (You can tell it’s a female by the single, central light organ– in a male there would be two light organs that each fill the whole abdominal segment.)

    My guess would be that this firefly is in the Photinus consanguineus group– I’m not sure which based on the flash pattern description and photos.

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