Observation: Unknown
Primary Observer:
Sean Brenner
Event Date:
2025-06-06
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
Province/State:
Massachusetts
Event Date:
2025-06-06
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
03:25
End Time:
03:40
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Sean Brenner
Additional Observers:
target_species_genus:
target_species_species:
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Developed - Sub/urban areas; parks/gardens
Habitat Type Notes:
They were on the edge of a small patch of woods that borders a suburban area; for zoning purposes the woods are considered wetland (on former farmland), but I don't know if they would fit a scientific definition of wetland
Elevation (meters):
31
Area Searched (hectares):
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): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
These fireflies were right on the edge of my complex, where there are streetlights (fairly low light trespass) and lights through the windows of some of the homes. The streetlight that covers the area where the fireflies were congregated is dead, however, so it was a relative dark spot.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
2-10
genus:
unknown
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
No idea what species - I only saw the glow - but the flashes were maybe a second long, with a few seconds between each flash. The glow was yellow in color and a little brighter than I would expect for a firefly, although I'm not an expert by any stretch.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
03:25
Last Flash Time:
03:40
First Flash Temp (F):
~72
Last Flash Temp (F):
~72
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
1 second
Flash Duration:
1 second
Flash Interval:
~4-5 seconds
Male Height Zone:
High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Maybe 2-3 meters off the ground, flitting around tree branches
