Observation: Photinus scintillans
Primary Observer:
Carl Manthey
Event Date:
2025-06-07
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Great Marsh, Elverson, PA
Province/State:
Pennsylvania
Event Date:
2025-06-07
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:30
End Time:
22:00
Number of Observers:
5
Primary Observer:
Carl Manthey
Additional Observers:
Myrna Villanueva, Bernard Brown, Diana Cormack, Kathy Varady
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
500-1000
Habitat Type:
Open Freshwater Wetland - Wetland Bog, fen, freshwater marsh
Habitat Type Notes:
Elevation (meters):
150 - 200
Area Searched (hectares):
8
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): No
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:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
2-10
genus:
photinus
Species:
scintillans
Observation Notes:
Small pale firefly. Was flying a few feet off the ground adjacent to bass pond surrounded by a large wetland area. Was very active once caught - hard to photograph.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:00
Last Flash Time:
22:00
First Flash Temp (F):
70
Last Flash Temp (F):
68
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
2.4
Flash Duration:
brief <0.5
Flash Interval:
2.4
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Around edges of a pond (Bass Pond). Pond is surrounded by a wet perennial meadow with some small trees.
Male Flash Behavior:
Short single flashes every 2.4 seconds (9 flashes in 22 seconds) while flying a few feet off the ground.
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Photinus scintillans”
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Nice documentation of Photinus scintillans!
When it comes to photographing fireflies that are “scrambly,” I’ve learned over the years that a clear sandwich bag often works better than a petri dish. It also makes it easier to hold the firefly against a mm scale.