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Observation: Photinus
Primary Observer:
Kori Mulholland
Event Date:
2025-05-09
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
Province/State:
North Carolina
Event Date:
2025-05-09
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:37
End Time:
20:40
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Kori Mulholland
Additional Observers:
NA
Target Species Genus:
Target Species Species:
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Developed - Sub/urban areas; parks/gardens
Habitat Type Notes:
Elevation (meters):
122
Area Searched (hectares):
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
Artificial Light Types
Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): No
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:
Directly under a street light
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
2-10
Genus:
Photinus
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:37
Last Flash Time:
20:38
First Flash Temp (F):
75
Last Flash Temp (F):
75
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
Unsure
Flash Duration:
1
Flash Interval:
Unsure
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft)
Flash Location:
I saw 2 flashes, but the flashing stopped when the second firefly appeared.
Male Flash Behavior:
Female Flash Behavior:
3 thoughts on “Observation: Photinus”
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Thanks for submitting this observation!
It’s a bit hard to tell with the side-angle in the photos, but these fireflies appear to be in the genus Photinus. This also fits with their dusk display time and low display height.
Some possible species in this area include the big dipper (Photinus pyralis), Photinus macdermotti, and Photinus australis, but I’d need more close-up photos and more extensive flash pattern details to confirm.
Hi Richard,
Thanks for reviewing! I have a video, if that would help. Where would be the best place to upload it?
The Firefly Atlas website is not set up for receiving videos, but you could email it to me at [email protected]. Happy to take a look!
Here is a video clip from a recent webinar I gave, where I explain why video is surprisingly often not the best way to get firefly flash pattern details. https://youtu.be/cZCcPKq79SM?si=eq4CHB2s0YS6QzDD&t=1826