Observation: Photinus pyralis

Observation: Photinus pyralis

Primary Observer:

Ella gunter

Event Date:

2025-06-11

Status:

Verified

Survey

Site Name:

GMA home

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

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:

Suburban area

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

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”

  1. 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).

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