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Observation: Pyractomena borealis
Primary Observer:
Jeffrey Calta
Event Date:
2025-05-12
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Fairview Township
Province/State:
Pennsylvania
Event Date:
2025-05-12
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:55
End Time:
22:30
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Jeffrey Calta
Additional Observers:
Target Species Genus:
Pyractomena
Target Species Species:
borealis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
250-500
Habitat Type:
Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream
Habitat Type Notes:
Varied habitat. riparian, open grass, mature tree lined stream, nearby mature forest
Elevation (meters):
400
Area Searched (hectares):
2
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:
11-50
Genus:
Pyractomena
Species:
borealis
Observation Notes:
So many fireflies observed it was difficult to discern if other fireflies were also present. Most exhibited the Borealis flash pattern.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:55
Last Flash Time:
22:25
First Flash Temp (F):
70
Last Flash Temp (F):
66
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
3
Flash Duration:
0.5
Flash Interval:
6-8
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Activity area ranged from 5 feet from ground to tree tops (~30 ft )
Male Flash Behavior:
One yellow flash every 3 seconds repeated ~6-8 seconds
Female Flash Behavior:
None observed
1 thought on “Observation: Pyractomena borealis”
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Thanks for submitting this incidental observation! Again, based on the time of year and flash behavior, I agree that these are Pyractomena borealis. Interesting (but not too surprising) that you saw more activity on a warmer night!