Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Ella gunter
Event Date:
2025-06-11
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
South Carolina
Event Date:
2025-06-11
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:18
End Time:
21:13
Number of Observers:
3
Primary Observer:
Ella gunter
Additional Observers:
Olivia Gunter
Timmy
Sophia
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream
Habitat Type Notes:
Woods near established creek
Elevation (meters):
119
Area Searched (hectares):
1
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
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:
Suburban area
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
50+
genus:
photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
3/4 of an inch. Very active. Found in a lightly forested area near a creek.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:18
Last Flash Time:
21:13
First Flash Temp (F):
78
Last Flash Temp (F):
75
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
7
Flash Duration:
.5
Flash Interval:
7
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft)
Flash Location:
Below five feet, in a clear area (no trees above).
Male Flash Behavior:
Lazy flying, flash and slow dim
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Photinus pyralis”
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Thanks for submitting this firefly observation! Nice job documenting with both flash pattern details and photos. Based on the flash pattern, dusk display time, yellow flash color, size, and photos, this is the big dipper firefly (Photinus pyralis).