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Observation: Unknown
Primary Observer:
Sean D Passauer
Event Date:
2025-04-01
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
The Swamp Shack
Province/State:
Florida
Event Date:
2025-04-01
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
08:30
End Time:
09:30
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Sean D Passauer
Additional Observers:
Jeffrey Passauer
Target Species Genus:
Photinus
Target Species Species:
collustrans
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Forested Wetland - Swamp, cedar bog, mangrove
Habitat Type Notes:
Various trees. Oak seems to be the most prevalent but there is a mix from birds spreading suburban and evasive species.
Elevation (meters):
47.03
Area Searched (hectares):
0.101
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Neighbors back porch light.
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Neighbors back porch light.
Artificial Light Types
Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
Our neighbors back porch light is bright. Otherwise it's very dark behind our home for over 6 acres.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
2-10
Genus:
unknown
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
Our little swamp is the perfect habitat for these beautiful creatures. You won't even find them down the street one neighborhood over sadly. They usually come out by the end of March with this year's first sighting being April 1st. I think we may have a mix of Fishhook and Sprite but would like professional guidance before declaring that. If any local scientist would like to view our swamp this is an invitation to reach out.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
08:30
Last Flash Time:
09:20
First Flash Temp (F):
81
Last Flash Temp (F):
81
Flashes in Pattern:
3
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
2-3
Flash Duration:
1
Flash Interval:
1
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Behind our fence is 6.5 acres of mature untouched dense swamp. All the flashes occurred behind our fence line but will come into the garden as their season progresses.
Male Flash Behavior:
3 quick flashes fired off 1 after the other. Then a long period of darkness before seeing the same pattern again. It was my first sight of the season and being a bit sparse was expected.
Female Flash Behavior:
N/A
1 thought on “Observation: Unknown”
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Thank you for submitting this incidental observation, and nice job recording the flash pattern behavior! Based on the description of a 3-pulse flash pattern, I don’t think this is a Florida fishhook (Photinus collustrans), though this species is likely in your area. My guess might be a firefly a firefly in the genus Photuris, which can be pretty tricky to identify and sometimes switch up their flash patterns.
The combination of photos of a captured firefly and flash pattern details (like the ones you took note of), is the best way to narrow down the options of what fireflies these might be. I hope some come into your yard that you’re able to catch and photograph!