Observation: Pyractomena borealis
Primary Observer:
Beth Ozbun
Event Date:
2025-03-28
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
IRWP
Province/State:
Arkansas
Event Date:
2025-03-28
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:40
End Time:
21:45
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Beth Ozbun
Additional Observers:
NA
target_species_genus:
pyractomena
target_species_species:
borealis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Public use area, deciduous trees, spring fed lake
Elevation (meters):
450.88
Area Searched (hectares):
.72
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: 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
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
Lights from street visible in the park area of the sanctuary.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
2-10
genus:
pyractomena
Species:
borealis
Observation Notes:
The first firefly I observed was flashing green yellow. It flew from the mid trunk up to the branches of the tree. The other fireflies were flying laterally among the branches of many trees.
3 of the fireflies looked yellow/green. 1 was orangish. Flash patterns were similar, behavior was similar.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:44
Last Flash Time:
21:35
First Flash Temp (F):
72
Last Flash Temp (F):
70
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
1.75
Flash Duration:
.5
Flash Interval:
1-2
Male Height Zone:
High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
All but the first were flying laterally through the branches of many trees.
Male Flash Behavior:
I am inferring that the few fireflies I saw were surveying for females. It wasn't an active night.
Female Flash Behavior:
I don’t think I saw any females
