Observation: Photinus pyralis

Observation: Photinus pyralis

Primary Observer:

Sophie White

Event Date:

2024-07-05

Status:

Unreviewed

Survey

Site Name:

Marsha P. Johnson State Park

Province/State:

New York

Event Date:

2024-07-05

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

20:30

End Time:

20:40

Number of Observers:

15

Primary Observer:

Sophie White

Additional Observers:

Flannery James, Emily Gaines, Erin Heddy, Sara Robinson, Thalia Flores Perez, Jessie Miner, Riley, Lincoln, Dorothy, Unknown, Unknown, Unknown, Unknown, Unknown

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:

 

Elevation (meters):

2.3

Area Searched (hectares):

4.5

Artificial Light Sources

Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes

Artificial Light Types

Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes

Artificial Light Notes:

Manhattan across the East River, lots of lights in the park itself, bright lights from soccer game next to the park.

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

Number Observed:

11-50

Genus:

Photinus

Species:

pyralis

Observation Notes:

 

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

20:30

Last Flash Time:

20:40

First Flash Temp (F):

75

Last Flash Temp (F):

75

Flashes in Pattern:

1

Flash Color:

Yellow

Flash Pattern Period:

5

Flash Duration:

1

Flash Interval:

5

Male Height Zone:

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

Flash Location:

Mostly low, seemingly higher when disturbed by park patrons.

Male Flash Behavior:

Made J shape.

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 © 2025 The Xerces Society •1631 NE Broadway Street, #821 • Portland OR 97232 USA