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Observation: Photinus corruscus
Primary Observer:
Jessica McGeary
Event Date:
2025-05-02
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Province/State:
Massachusetts
Event Date:
2025-05-02
Time of Day:
Day-Time
Start Time:
17:52
End Time:
17:52
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Jessica McGeary
Additional Observers:
NA
Target Species Genus:
unknown
Target Species Species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Developed - Sub/urban areas; parks/gardens
Habitat Type Notes:
This was not a deliberate survey. Spotting the firefly on the front step of a house was sufficiently unusual that I stopped to photograph it for identification purposes.
Elevation (meters):
1.5
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:
Non-Flashing
Number Observed:
1
Genus:
Photinus
Species:
corruscus
Observation Notes:
Unfortunately I did not get an object into the picture for scale. I happened to look down at the steps of this house and spotted a recognizable firefly, perhaps the second one I have ever seen in the area. I took the photographs as quickly as I could; it took off a few moments after the third picture. It was approximately 15 mm long.
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 corruscus”
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Thanks for submitting this incidental firefly observation! You correctly identified this firefly as a winter firefly (Photinus corruscus). They spend the winter as adults tucked into tree bark, and then fly around looking for mates using pheromones (not flashing) in the spring. They can be quite abundant at this time of year!