Observation: Photuris
Primary Observer:
Victoria Reyes
Event Date:
2025-06-04
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
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
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
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
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”
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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).