Observation: Unknown
Primary Observer:
Self
Event Date:
2025-06-18
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
Iuka RV park
Province/State:
Mississippi
Event Date:
2025-06-18
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:31
End Time:
22:00
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Self
Additional Observers:
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
lollypop pine trees, very few old growth pine trees.
Elevation (meters):
171
Area Searched (hectares):
2
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: No
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: No
Artificial Light Types
Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
2-10
genus:
unknown
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
The few I saw were only in a certain section of the wooded area and moving fast and covering a large area (50 yrds or so). they would start lighting low to the ground and move upward with a couple of flashes along the way, (moved up about 30 ft). Then fall quickly to near ground level and repeat, moving laterally. I did not observe for a long time. My observation was about 15 min or so. However, I have seen about the same number and behavior each clear night for about two weeks now. I am surrounded by pine forests in Iuka, MS at my location, but I have only seen fireflies in a northern section of woods near the RV park I am at. I will have to search elsewhere and see.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:30
Last Flash Time:
21:45
First Flash Temp (F):
?
Last Flash Temp (F):
?
Flashes in Pattern:
2
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
4
Flash Duration:
1
Flash Interval:
2-5
Male Height Zone:
High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
starting low to the ground and up about 30 ft
Male Flash Behavior:
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Unknown”
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Thank you for submitting this firefly observation, and for your description of the flash behavior! The fast flight speed and the tall height of display might suggest a firefly in the genus Photuris, but it is hard to tell for certain without a photo of the lightning bug.