Observation: Photinus pyralis

Observation: Photinus pyralis

Primary Observer:

Stephanie Eastwood

Event Date:

2025-07-02

Status:

Verified

Survey

Site Name:

10756 Trotter Rd, Woodford, WI

Province/State:

Wisconsin

Event Date:

2025-07-02

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

21:05

End Time:

21:35

Number of Observers:

1

Primary Observer:

Stephanie Eastwood

Additional Observers:

NA

Target Species Genus:

unknown

Target Species Species:

unknown

Location and Habitat

Location Accuracy (meters):

0-25

Habitat Type:

Developed - Sub/urban areas; parks/gardens

Habitat Type Notes:

Recently mowed house yard with tall grasses & weeds around shrubs. Flower gardens. Adjacent landscape is planted prairie, brushy ag meadow, and cornfield.

Elevation (meters):

259

Area Searched (hectares):

1

Artificial Light Sources

Vehicles: 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

Artificial Light Notes:

No outdoor lights in this area. Lights inside house were turned off.

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

Number Observed:

50+

Genus:

Photinus

Species:

pyralis

Observation Notes:

single flash of males while flying close to ground, flash lasts about 1/2 second, forming a 'j' (bobbing down then upward). They appear at dusk. few or none seen when fully dark night.

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

21:05

Last Flash Time:

21:35

First Flash Temp (F):

74

Last Flash Temp (F):

73

Flashes in Pattern:

1

Flash Color:

Unknown

Flash Pattern Period:

a little less than 1 second

Flash Duration:

a llittle less than 1 second

Flash Interval:

doesn't look like they flash in regular intervals;

Male Height Zone:

Low (0-3 ft)

Flash Location:

Close to ground

Male Flash Behavior:

Makes a ''J' pattern during flash, flying upward after bobbing lower

Female Flash Behavior:

I did observe a few single flashes from taller grass, none in the mowed lawn. many fewer stationary flashes observed than males flying

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