Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Pam Morgan
Event Date:
2024-06-02
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
Arkansas
Event Date:
2024-06-02
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:45
End Time:
22:00
Number of Observers:
9
Primary Observer:
Pam Morgan
Additional Observers:
Beth Ozbun, Holly Hobbs, David Moncrief, Clint Morgan, Natasha Moore, Nancy and Lynn Harris, Tanya Collins
target_species_genus:
photinus
target_species_species:
pyralis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
25-50
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
Several fields with trees and shrubs dividing them. Near the West Fork of the White River. The bank of the river was one of the areas we walked to for observation.
Elevation (meters):
415
Area Searched (hectares):
2
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:
Occasional lights near the house and greenhouse, but most of the fields were dark.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
13mm, flying low over grassy field, easy to catch and hold
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:45
Last Flash Time:
21:30
First Flash Temp (F):
78
Last Flash Temp (F):
77
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
5 to 6
Flash Duration:
1
Flash Interval:
4 to 5
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Over grass in field
Male Flash Behavior:
I don't think this is Photinus pyralis based on the appearance, but we also caught P. pyralis, and they were both in the same location at the same time, and we only observed one flash pattern, although it was a little variable.
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Photinus pyralis”
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I agree that this individual looks a bit atypical for Photinus pyralis, but enough things line up (the flash pattern, length, pale pygidium with dark center) that I think it is in fact pyralis.