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Observation: Photinus
Primary Observer:
Sydney Mason
Event Date:
2025-06-11
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Fort Eustis
Province/State:
Virginia
Event Date:
2025-06-11
Time of Day:
Day-Time
Start Time:
19:53
End Time:
20:41
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Sydney Mason
Additional Observers:
NA
Target Species Genus:
Target Species Species:
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Dense woodland dominated by pine and oak trees, neighboring housing and low-traffic roads. This site is located on the Fort Eustis military base (JBLE), near the Grenade Training Course.
Elevation (meters):
2
Area Searched (hectares):
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Dappled sunlight through forest canopy only. Light was ambient by this point.
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Dappled sunlight through forest canopy only. Light was ambient by this point.
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
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:
2-10
Genus:
Photinus
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
19:52
Last Flash Time:
20:52
First Flash Temp (F):
83
Last Flash Temp (F):
83
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
0
Flash Duration:
1
Flash Interval:
5
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft)
Flash Location:
About 1-3ft above a leafy forest floor
Male Flash Behavior:
Low, slow flying, brief singular flashes, about 5 seconds between flashes
Female Flash Behavior:
Not observed.
1 thought on “Observation: Photinus”
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Thanks for submitting this observation! The flash color, flash pattern, and use of habitat sound like a good match for the big dipper/common eastern firefly (Photinus pyralis), but having a close-up photo would help for confirming.