Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Pam Morgan
Event Date:
2024-06-08
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Illinois River Watershed Partnership
Province/State:
Arkansas
Event Date:
2024-06-08
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:30
End Time:
22:00
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Pam Morgan
Additional Observers:
Beth Ozbun
Target Species Genus:
Photinus
Target Species Species:
pyralis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
25-50
Habitat Type:
Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream
Habitat Type Notes:
This area is a pond fed by a spring coming out of a cave. The pond then empties into Osage Creek. The pond is bordered by grassy areas with trails, and beyond that, thick woods with some trails. There is a parking area at the entrance to the area and street lights are bright in this area. About 100 m from the road is a pavilion in a grassy field (no lights, although you can still see some lights from the road).A trail through the woods along the pond leads to another grassy area that was burned in January and another pavilion. The edge of the grassy area is mowed, and the center is long grass. This area is dark. There are many trees bordering the grassy areas. Mostly oak, hickory, sycamore, and other native species. There are some native pollinator gardens planted in some of the grassy areas.
Elevation (meters):
352
Area Searched (hectares):
1.5
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: No
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: No
Artificial Light Types
Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
Near the parking lot there is a road with street lights, and that is the area where we only saw Photinus pyralis. Once we moved away from that area, there was only one section where we could see a bright street light in the distance, but other than that it was dark. The grassy areas and pond were surrounded by trees.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
50+
Genus:
Photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
12 to 13 mm. Many fireflies flying very low over grass and flashing from the start of the survey (sunset) until we walked to another part of the area. We observed them mainly in a grassy field bordered by trees. Grass was approximately 6 inches tall, so it looked recently mowed. Females were observed perched on grass, so we tried to stay off the grass as much as possible.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:33
Last Flash Time:
20:56
First Flash Temp (F):
82
Last Flash Temp (F):
82
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
5 to 6
Flash Duration:
..5 to .7
Flash Interval:
4 to 5
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Fireflies were flying and flashing very low over the grass. Less than 2 feet above grass.
At 8:56 we left the area where we were seeing the most P. pyralis. We walked along a path and observed more P. pyralis flashing low up to about 5 ft high among the trees. The path was through the woods, and there was a strip of trees, bushes, and other vegetation between the path and the pond.
At 9:03, we saw a firefly in the bushes that was constantly lit. We captured it and took a picture (included), and it continued to glow steadily. It appeared that its light was "stuck" on. We think it was also a P. pyralis,.
Male Flash Behavior:
Short to medium length flash, often with a swooping shape.
Female Flash Behavior:
Females were perched in the grass giving a single flash.
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Nicely documented Photinus pyralis!