Observation: Photinus pyralis

Observation: Photinus pyralis

Primary Observer:

Anna Yellin

Event Date:

2024-06-03

Status:

Verified

Survey

Site Name:

Undisclosed

Province/State:

Georgia

Event Date:

2024-06-03

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

20:17

End Time:

22:15

Number of Observers:

5

Primary Observer:

Anna Yellin

Additional Observers:

Lexi Bryan, Amaad Blades, Danny Dexter, Caitlin Lyons

target_species_genus:

photuris

target_species_species:

forresti

Location and Habitat

Location Accuracy (meters):

100-250

Habitat Type:

Open Freshwater Wetland - Wetland Bog, fen, freshwater marsh

Habitat Type Notes:

There was forest surrounding the wetland. However, within the area we were at, there were not many trees within the wetland.

Elevation (meters):

205

Area Searched (hectares):

3 hectares

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:

Some of our party used flashlights without red filters.

Observation

Observation Type:

With Flash Data

Number Observed:

11-50

genus:

photinus

Species:

pyralis

Observation Notes:

flash in a J pattern

Specimen Voucher Number:

41, 43, 30

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

20:17

Last Flash Time:

22:15

First Flash Temp (F):

76

Last Flash Temp (F):

76

Flashes in Pattern:

1

Flash Color:

Yellow

Flash Pattern Period:

not recorded

Flash Duration:

not recorded

Flash Interval:

not recorded

Male Height Zone:

Moderate (3-8 ft)

Flash Location:

We saw these as we were walking along a path. The area alongside the path is wooded. These were in the more cleared area near the woods.

Male Flash Behavior:

J pattern

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
Firefly logo by Ink Dwell studio; © 2020 Jane Kim