Observation: Photinus scintillans
Primary Observer:
Linda Romine
Event Date:
2023-06-09
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Cincinnati Nature Center Rowe Woods
Province/State:
Ohio
Event Date:
2023-06-09
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:42
End Time:
21:35
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Linda Romine
Additional Observers:
Selena M.
Target Species Genus:
Photinus
Target Species Species:
scintillans
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
25-50
Habitat Type:
Developed - Sub/urban areas; parks/gardens
Habitat Type Notes:
Terraced garden within a mature secondary forest planted with herbs and other plants including those native to Ohio.
Elevation (meters):
228
Area Searched (hectares):
.6 Hectares
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:
scintillans
Observation Notes:
Most males were in the garden, very few seen extending into the forest. Last year they were spread throughout the surrounding forest, and many more were seen by this dated. We could not find a female. Last year we were able to find two.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:59
Last Flash Time:
21:35
First Flash Temp (F):
77
Last Flash Temp (F):
72
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
2.7 or less
Flash Duration:
very quick
Flash Interval:
around 2.6 sec
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft)
Flash Location:
Low to ground, mainly 2 feet or less above the ground. Some males flashed on vegetation, some while on the ground. First flash was observed in woods adjacent to the garden near a bridge, but nearly all of the fireflies were seen in the garden during the survey. Flashes were pinkish/orangish/yellowish. Note rosy color of lantern in the picture.
Male Flash Behavior:
Males emitted a very quick pinkish flash, waited a second or two before flying to a new location to flash, near vegetation in the garden. Only 4-6 were seen in the forest.
Female Flash Behavior:
None observed.
1 thought on “Observation: Photinus scintillans”
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Thank you for this fantastic observation, Linda! Great photos and documentation of key characteristics. The squared, translucent yellow pygidium, lobed lanterns, and pinkish color of the lanterns are all helpful details that you’ve captured.