Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Jean
Event Date:
2023-07-18
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
New Jersey
Event Date:
2023-07-18
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:45
End Time:
21:00
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Jean
Additional Observers:
N/a
target_species_genus:
target_species_species:
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
By the woods behind houses they were not really in the front yard by the street. Maybe one here or there.
Elevation (meters):
Unknown
Area Searched (hectares):
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: Yes
Street Lights: No
Buildings: Yes
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:
Without Flash Data
Number Observed:
2-10
genus:
photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
Last Flash Time:
First Flash Temp (F):
Last Flash Temp (F):
Flashes in Pattern:
Flash Color:
Flash Pattern Period:
Flash Duration:
Flash Interval:
Male Height Zone:
Flash Location:
Male Flash Behavior:
Female Flash Behavior:
2 thoughts on “Observation: Photinus pyralis”
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Thank you for submitting this firefly observation, Jean! Based on the photos, habitat, and the dusk display period, it’s very likely that this is Photinus pyralis, the big dipper. However, it would help to have a flash timing (length of the pause between flashes) to confirm. You can use a stopwatch or even count One Mississippi-Two Mississippi, etc. to get a sense of the timing.
Oh ok I timed it at 5 seconds from one flash to the next. Hope this helps!