Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Debi Domby
Event Date:
2024-06-18
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
Home Backyard
Province/State:
Michigan
Event Date:
2024-06-18
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:30
End Time:
21:45
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Debi Domby
Additional Observers:
target_species_genus:
photinus
target_species_species:
pyralis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Developed - Sub/urban areas; parks/gardens
Habitat Type Notes:
Urban backyard
Elevation (meters):
176.784
Area Searched (hectares):
.000464515
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:
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
Fireflies per 10 second session: 40,45,45
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:30
Last Flash Time:
21:45
First Flash Temp (F):
79⁰
Last Flash Temp (F):
79⁰
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
4.01-4.35
Flash Duration:
< .5
Flash Interval:
4.01-4.35 (this is a flash and then when the next flash)
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Urban back yard
Male Flash Behavior:
Don't know if they're male or female but guessing only males flash while flying...
Fireflies per 10 second session: 40,45,45
Firefly colors Green, White, Orange/red
Intervals between an individual's flashes 4.01-4.35 secs
Other observations (sorry if it's in the wrong spot)
From NOAA.GOV website for Southgate, MI
Date 18
Time 21:53
Wind (mph) SE 10
Visibility (mi.) 10
Weather Mostly Cloudy
Sky condition "FEW130
BKN160
BKN230"
Temperature 79⁰
Dewpoint 69.1⁰
Humidity 72%
Humidex 82⁰
Pressure 30.12
sea level (mb) 1019.4
The fireflies were flashing quickly and counted in groups of 5. Could be higher as more than 5 could've flashed at the same time.
Most were in flight, only a handful were in the grass
Saw a couple flying in a J pattern.
Saw a group of three fireflies that flashed in a pattern. Firefly #1 flashed, Firefly #2 flashed, Firefly #3 flashed and then Firefly #1 flashed again. Saw this pattern go through at least three rotations
The Fireflies weren't lit long, maybe a half second in length
Female Flash Behavior:
Are the females the ones perched in the grass?
They flash maybe once a minute, a slow drawn out flash.
