Observation: Photinus pyralis

Observation: Photinus pyralis

Primary Observer:

Ed Chapman

Event Date:

2025-07-03

Status:

Verified

Survey

Site Name:

13 Hardenberg St., New Brunswick

Province/State:

New Jersey

Event Date:

2025-07-03

Time of Day:

Day-Time

Start Time:

18:15

End Time:

18:30

Number of Observers:

2

Primary Observer:

Ed Chapman

Additional Observers:

Norma Hoffman

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:

Mugwort, goldenrod, native and non-native "weeds." Oaks, maples, hackberry. Grape arbor, fig trees. Unmowed grass.

Elevation (meters):

69

Area Searched (hectares):

1/8

Artificial Light Sources

Vehicles: No
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes

Artificial Light Types

Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No

Artificial Light Notes:

 

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

Number Observed:

11-50

Genus:

Photinus

Species:

pyralis

Observation Notes:

20-30 in our small backyard (1/8 acre). Storm about to rain. As the sky darkened, the males rose up from mugwort and goldenrod and elsewhere. Lots of flashes before the rain started.

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

18:15

Last Flash Time:

18:30

First Flash Temp (F):

83

Last Flash Temp (F):

79

Flashes in Pattern:

1

Flash Color:

Yellow

Flash Pattern Period:

2

Flash Duration:

2

Flash Interval:

5

Male Height Zone:

Low (0-3 ft)

Flash Location:

20-30 in our small backyard (1/8 acre). Storm about to rain. As the sky darkened, the males rose up from mugwort and goldenrod and elsewhere. Lots of flashes before the rain started.

Male Flash Behavior:

Low flying.

Female Flash Behavior:

Stationary.

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