Observation: Photinus pyralis

Observation: Photinus pyralis

Primary Observer:

Byron Black

Event Date:

2024-07-06

Status:

Verified

Survey

Site Name:

Chestnut Farm

Province/State:

Pennsylvania

Event Date:

2024-07-06

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

20:55

End Time:

22:00

Number of Observers:

4

Primary Observer:

Byron Black

Additional Observers:

Jean Black, Jeanine Ging, Jean Bear

Target Species Genus:

Photinus

Target Species Species:

pyralis

Location and Habitat

Location Accuracy (meters):

0-25

Habitat Type:

Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant

Habitat Type Notes:

pollinator meadow: grasses, blackberries, goldenrod,...

Elevation (meters):

379

Area Searched (hectares):

1.68

Artificial Light Sources

Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No

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

Artificial Light Notes:

 

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

Number Observed:

50+

Genus:

Photinus

Species:

pyralis

Observation Notes:

 

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

20:50

Last Flash Time:

22:00

First Flash Temp (F):

75

Last Flash Temp (F):

72

Flashes in Pattern:

1

Flash Color:

Yellow

Flash Pattern Period:

varied

Flash Duration:

1-2 seconds

Flash Interval:

varied

Male Height Zone:

Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)

Flash Location:

Pollinator meadow

Male Flash Behavior:

 

Female Flash Behavior:

 

Leave a Comment

Connect

Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates.

Follow

Follow the Xerces Society.

Share

Share this page.

Support

Support the Xerces Society's conservation work.

This is a project of the Xerces Society, working in collaboration with the IUCN SSC Firefly Specialist Group and New Mexico BioPark Society.

Copyright © 2026 The Xerces Society •1631 NE Broadway Street, #821 • Portland OR 97232 USA