Observation: Photinus
Primary Observer:
Julian gunter
Event Date:
2025-05-01
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
My home
Province/State:
South Carolina
Event Date:
2025-05-01
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:31
End Time:
20:49
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Julian gunter
Additional Observers:
Olivia Gunter
Target Species Genus:
unknown
Target Species Species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Nearby swampland, area is mostly forested
Elevation (meters):
165
Area Searched (hectares):
1
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: No
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: No
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): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
Observation
Observation Type:
Non-Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Photinus
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
1/2 an inch.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
Last Flash Time:
First Flash Temp (F):
Last Flash Temp (F):
Flashes in Pattern:
Flash Color:
Flash Pattern Period:
Flash Duration:
Flash Interval:
Male Height Zone:
Flash Location:
Male Flash Behavior:
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Photinus”
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Thank you for submitting this firefly observation! It is a male firefly in the genus Photinus. Photinus generally have markings on the pronotum (head shield) that are oval or bar-shaped, as opposed to most Photuris and Pyractomena fireflies, which have markings that can be triangular, anchor-shaped, or fleur-de-lis-shaped.
Based on the time of year, time of evening, the rectangular shape of the dark marking on the head shield, the dark color of the scutellum and the underside that is dark expect for the lanterns (light organs), there are a few possible species. These include Photinus macdermotti, Photinus jamesi, and Photinus consanguineus. All of these fireflies have flash patterns that consist of pairs of flashes, with differently timed spacing between those flashes. Getting flash pattern details is the best way to reach a species identification for this group.