Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Debi Domby
Event Date:
2025-06-23
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Home Backyard
Province/State:
Michigan
Event Date:
2025-06-23
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:30
End Time:
21:45
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Debi Domby
Additional Observers:
na
Target Species Genus:
Photinus
Target Species Species:
pyralis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Developed - Sub/urban areas; parks/gardens
Habitat Type Notes:
Grass mowed this season, normally grass you find in the suburbs , little long it needs cutting again.
Elevation (meters):
176.784
Area Searched (hectares):
.000464515
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:
na
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
50+
Genus:
Photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
My sister sent me an article about the fireflies disappearing. Not where I live. I think I have more than the last few years. I count them in the neighbor's backyard & I think we have a bumper crop of fireflies. I count them by fives as I see them flash and it was around 80-85 fireflies in 15 seconds. Three sessions, and all about the amount. The fireflies just carpet the neighbors back yard, so there very well might be more, they're flashing so fast, best I can do is estimate them.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:30
Last Flash Time:
21:45
First Flash Temp (F):
86
Last Flash Temp (F):
86
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
2.5-3.5
Flash Duration:
aprx half sec
Flash Interval:
2.5-3.5
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
I have no idea if it's males or not, but they were flying 2-4 ft off the ground. Most of those I saw, were flying but saw about a half dozen perching in the grass & one on my gutter downspout
Colors seen: Mostly Green/yellow; white and orange/red.
Today I observed them doing J turns, and a group of them stayed together and when they flashed, it was the same order. saw this behavior in several groups.
Male Flash Behavior:
na
Female Flash Behavior:
na
