Notice: Below is a list of 0 important links included on this page.
Please note that while screen readers have made significant strides, they may still lack full support for optimal web accessibility.
Observation: Photuris quadrifulgens
Primary Observer:
Rebecca
Event Date:
2025-05-10
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
Province/State:
Tennessee
Event Date:
2025-05-10
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:45
End Time:
21:15
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Rebecca
Additional Observers:
Target Species Genus:
unknown
Target Species Species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
Tall grasses, rapeseed, clover, german chamomile, horsenettle, wild sage, idk what else.
Elevation (meters):
850
Area Searched (hectares):
1
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Artificial Light Types
Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): Yes
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:
Vehicles passing, A slight amount of light leaking from inside our house.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
2-10
Genus:
Photuris
Species:
quadrifulgens
Observation Notes:
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:45
Last Flash Time:
21:15
First Flash Temp (F):
57
Last Flash Temp (F):
57.5
Flashes in Pattern:
3
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
3
Flash Duration:
1
Flash Interval:
6
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
my yard, field, in trees, in bushes, in neighbors field.
Male Flash Behavior:
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Photuris quadrifulgens”
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Thank you for submitting this incidental firefly observation. Based on the photo, this firefly is in the genus Photuris. You can tell by the long legs, the curved posture, and the intricate shape of the dark marking on the headshield.
Based on the time of year, the flash pattern consisting of three pulses, and the open, upland habitat, I suspect that this is Photuris quadrifulgens— also known as the “Spring 4-flasher.” These commonly give a flash pattern of 3-4 pulses over about 2 seconds, repeated about every 6-7 seconds.