Observation: Photinus punctulatus

Observation: Photinus punctulatus

Primary Observer:

Charlie Miksicek

Event Date:

2025-06-03

Status:

Unverified

Survey

Site Name:

Home

Province/State:

Missouri

Event Date:

2025-06-03

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

20:42

End Time:

20:45

Number of Observers:

1

Primary Observer:

Charlie Miksicek

Additional Observers:

no additional observers

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:

Urban lawn, not mowed in about 10 days. Patches of native plants.

Elevation (meters):

145

Area Searched (hectares):

0.15

Artificial Light Sources

Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
alley lights

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

Artificial Light Notes:

 

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

Number Observed:

1

Genus:

Photinus

Species:

punctulatus

Observation Notes:

1 individual flying.

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

20:42

Last Flash Time:

20:45

First Flash Temp (F):

85

Last Flash Temp (F):

85

Flashes in Pattern:

1

Flash Color:

Yellow

Flash Pattern Period:

one short flash

Flash Duration:

less than a second

Flash Interval:

~ 1 second

Male Height Zone:

Low (0-3 ft)

Flash Location:

flying over mowed lawn

Male Flash Behavior:

one short flash, yellow - green

Female Flash Behavior:

none observed

1 thought on “Observation: Photinus punctulatus”

  1. A belated thank you for this firefly observation! Based on the early-June timing, flash color, habitat, location, ~1 second flash interval and early evening display time, I suspect that this might have been Photinus punctulatus. If you are able to get photos of the firefly in hand next year, this could be confirmed.

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