Observation: Photinus carolinus
Primary Observer:
Jeffrey Calta
Event Date:
2025-06-13
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Fairview Township
Province/State:
Pennsylvania
Event Date:
2025-06-13
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:30
End Time:
23:25
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Jeffrey Calta
Additional Observers:
Na
Target Species Genus:
unknown
Target Species Species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
250-500
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
Varied habitats in observation area. Grass fields (some mowed, some not), riparian with extensive tree line along stream, and scattered mature tree areas.
Elevation (meters):
400
Area Searched (hectares):
4
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:
2-10
Genus:
Photinus
Species:
carolinus
Observation Notes:
Very prevalent in tree line. Mostly deep into the trees perhaps because of numerous Photuris species nearby. Body length was ~11 mm. Activity began at 10:15 pm.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
22:15
Last Flash Time:
23:30
First Flash Temp (F):
68
Last Flash Temp (F):
67
Flashes in Pattern:
>4
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
3
Flash Duration:
0.50
Flash Interval:
0.5
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Within trees and venturing into scattered openings.
Male Flash Behavior:
Six flashes every three seconds. Pattern repeated ~ every 7-8 seconds although difficult to focus on one individual with so many different species present.
Female Flash Behavior:
None
