Observation: Photuris

Observation: Photuris

Primary Observer:

Victoria Reyes

Event Date:

2025-06-04

Status:

Verified

Survey

Site Name:

Brandywine Apartments

Province/State:

Tennessee

Event Date:

2025-06-04

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

23:00

End Time:

23:10

Number of Observers:

1

Primary Observer:

Victoria Reyes

Additional Observers:

NA

Target Species Genus:

Photuris

Target Species Species:

forresti

Location and Habitat

Location Accuracy (meters):

0-25

Habitat Type:

Developed - Sub/urban areas; parks/gardens

Habitat Type Notes:

Semi-suburban area.

Elevation (meters):

184

Area Searched (hectares):

My patio

Artificial Light Sources

Vehicles: No
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes

Artificial Light Types

Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes

Artificial Light Notes:

 

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

Number Observed:

1

Genus:

Photuris

Species:

unknown

Observation Notes:

Healthy, active, but alone.

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

23:00

Last Flash Time:

23:10

First Flash Temp (F):

76

Last Flash Temp (F):

76

Flashes in Pattern:

>4

Flash Color:

Green

Flash Pattern Period:

No idea

Flash Duration:

Not sure

Flash Interval:

Not sure

Male Height Zone:

Low (0-3 ft)

Flash Location:

The ground. He was on my patio. I later saw him the grass. I picked him up and I am currently taking care of him so I may relocate him to Radnor Lake State Park tomorrow, which is only 10 minutes or so from where I live.

Male Flash Behavior:

Erratic flashing. Matches the description of a loopy five. Here are videos: https://youtu.be/FY0JO_epJJ0 https://youtu.be/gTps0GY8m44

Female Flash Behavior:

Not entirely sure if he was male, or female.

1 thought on “Observation: Photuris”

  1. Thank you for submitting this observation of a Photuris firefly! Unfortunately, the flashes given by captured fireflies (for example one in a jar) will not be the courtship flash pattern that is helpful for ID.

    While many Photuris look very similar, the non-wetland habitat make it unlikely that what you observed was a loopy five firefly (Photuris forresti).

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