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Observation: Pyractomena borealis
Primary Observer:
DB
Event Date:
2025-04-21
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
Home
Province/State:
South Carolina
Event Date:
2025-04-21
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
09:30
End Time:
09:44
Number of Observers:
3
Primary Observer:
DB
Additional Observers:
Target Species Genus:
unknown
Target Species Species:
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Mixed hardwood with mixture of pines
Elevation (meters):
975.5
Area Searched (hectares):
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
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): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
50+
Genus:
Pyractomena
Species:
borealis
Observation Notes:
Noted approximately one hour after sunset. Flight was in mid story tree height. Yellow and flashing. This unknown species occurred prior to the "blue ghosts" we see around second week of May. Later in summer we see yellow flashing species closer to ground level.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:55
Last Flash Time:
21:58
First Flash Temp (F):
63
Last Flash Temp (F):
61
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
2
Flash Duration:
Unknown
Flash Interval:
Unknown
Male Height Zone:
High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Mid story mature hardwoods
Male Flash Behavior:
Unknown
Female Flash Behavior:
Unknown
3 thoughts on “Observation: Pyractomena borealis”
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Thank you for submitting this firefly observation! Based on the location, time of year, habitat, and the flash pattern details you recorded, I am confident that this is Pyractomena borealis, common name “spring treetop flasher.” This is the first firefly species to flash in the spring in most of the temperate US. Later in the season, it is harder to ID fireflies without a photo, but all evidence points to Pyractomena borealis here.
Also, I was following the Persimmon Ridge and Table Rock fires as they happened. Scary! Glad that you and these fireflies emerged okay.
Wow! Thank you for the response regarding the fireflies that I was hoping find the identity. I will share this with my neighbors who also noted them.
We did evacuate from our home during the Persimmon Ridge Fire and Caesars Head fires. So grateful to seeing our natural life emerge again.
The “blue ghosts” should be showing up again around Mother’s Day.
Thank you again for your timely and kind response.
Dori Brenneman