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Observation: Photuris quadrifulgens
Primary Observer:
Jeffrey Calta
Event Date:
2025-06-11
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
Fairview Township
Province/State:
Pennsylvania
Event Date:
2025-06-11
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:30
End Time:
23:20
Number of Observers:
None
Primary Observer:
Jeffrey Calta
Additional Observers:
Na
Target Species Genus:
unknown
Target Species Species:
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
250-500
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
Varied habitats within a few hundred yards of house and property. Open grass/fields, riparian, and scattered groups of trees.
Elevation (meters):
400
Area Searched (hectares):
5
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
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:
11-50
Genus:
Photuris
Species:
quadrifulgens
Observation Notes:
Primarily in grass fields but occasionally in tree areas
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:39
Last Flash Time:
23:20
First Flash Temp (F):
66
Last Flash Temp (F):
60
Flashes in Pattern:
3
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
2
Flash Duration:
0.5
Flash Interval:
4-5
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
In grass fields and tree areas. 3 short flashes as ff flew horizontally.
Male Flash Behavior:
Female Flash Behavior:
None
1 thought on “Observation: Photuris quadrifulgens”
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Thanks for submitting this observation, Jeff!
This does sound like Photuris quadrifulgens, based on the flash behavior.
One note about flash pattern terminology. I think you may have put the flash pattern period under “Flash interval.” This section of the recorded Firefly Atlas training goes over what each of the terms refers to: https://youtu.be/cZCcPKq79SM?si=yxH84q5dmkbCNfTW&t=1147.
The P. quadrifulgens flash pattern diagram in the Faust field guide would have the following timings:
Flash pattern period=6 seconds
Flash duration= “brief”/<0.5 seconds
Flash interval= 0.5 seconds