Observation: Photinus irroratus
Primary Observer:
Nicole Gonzalez
Event Date:
2025-01-10
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
Chiricahua National Monument
Province/State:
Arizona
Event Date:
2025-01-10
Time of Day:
Day-Time
Start Time:
14:42
End Time:
14:42
Number of Observers:
Primary Observer:
Nicole Gonzalez
Additional Observers:
Target Species Genus:
Target Species Species:
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Habitat Type Notes:
Incidental observation indoors, inside park housing during the daytime. Found climbing on hallway wall near bathroom. Dark indoors beside some natural light coming in from windows. Indoor temp approx. 64 deg F. Outdoor temp approx. 36 deg F, sunny, and clear. Outside habitat is developed but occurs within a greater oak-dominated woodland. Recent snow previous night.
Elevation (meters):
1645
Area Searched (hectares):
Artificial Light Sources
Artificial Light Types
Artificial Light Notes:
Observation
Observation Type:
Non-Flashing
Number Observed:
1
Genus:
Photinus
Species:
irroratus
Observation Notes:
Active indoors at 2:42 pm 01/10/25 in housing at Chiricahua National Monument. Possibly Ellychnia corruscus or Pyropyga nigricans?
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
Last Flash Time:
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Last Flash Temp (F):
Flashes in Pattern:
Flash Color:
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Male Height Zone:
Flash Location:
Male Flash Behavior:
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Photinus irroratus”
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Nice observation– thank you for submitting! Based on the broader body-shape, this is a Photinus (formerly Ellychnia) rather than a Pyropyga.
Based on the location and the markings on the pronotum, I think the most likely species is Photinus irroratus, though Photinus alexanderi and Photinus corruscus are other possibilities. Your firefly appears to be about 12 mm long (based on the photos with the quarter), and P. alexanderi usually don’t exceed 10 mm. I believe we’d need to examine the pronotum more closely to confirm P. irroratus. P. irroratus has a granulated pronotum, meaning that there are sand-like bumps on the surface.
If you haven’t checked it out already, Anna Walker’s PDF Guide to Fireflies of the Southwest is a great resource.
Thanks again for submitting this observation!