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Observation: Photinus ignitus
Primary Observer:
Laurie Angus
Event Date:
2025-07-27
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
West End Ave
Province/State:
New York
Event Date:
2025-07-27
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:25
End Time:
20:35
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
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
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:
ignitus
Observation Notes:
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:25
Last Flash Time:
20:35
First Flash Temp (F):
76
Last Flash Temp (F):
76
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, woods-- from about 1 foot off ground to almost tops of trees
Male Flash Behavior:
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Photinus ignitus”
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Thank you for submitting this firefly observation! The firefly that you photographed is a female firefly in the genus Photinus, but it does not appear to be the big dipper (Photinus pyralis). The black marking on the head shield (pronotum) is a rectangular bar extending the length of the pronotum, while in Photinus pyralis it is usually a central oval spot.
While the flash pattern described is not a match for the double-flashing species, I think that this firefly is in the Photinus consanguineus group: Photinus jamesi, Photinus macdermotti, Photinus consanguineus or Photinus ignitus. Of these, Photinus ignitus is the best match in terms of male flash pattern.
This is a neat observation, as there aren’t many records of flashing Photinus fireflies on Long Island that are not Photinus pyralis!