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
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
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:
With Flash Data
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
