Observation: Photinus pyralis

Observation: Photinus pyralis

Primary Observer:

Jay Holmes

Event Date:

2025-07-02

Status:

Unverified

Survey

Site Name:

Maggie's Garden

Province/State:

New York

Event Date:

2025-07-02

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

21:00

End Time:

21:05

Number of Observers:

1

Primary Observer:

Jay Holmes

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:

This is a small community garden dominated by 3 large magnolias and hydrangea. There are ferns, hostas and other shade tolerant plants. We leave the leaf litter. The site is sandwiched between buildings on the east, south and west sides.

Elevation (meters):

42

Area Searched (hectares):

.10

Artificial Light Sources

Vehicles: Yes
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): Yes

Artificial Light Notes:

 

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

Number Observed:

2-10

Genus:

Photinus

Species:

pyralis

Observation Notes:

The two flashes observed were about 20 feet above the ground in just outside the canopy of a magnolia. There were no flashes observed on, or near the ground.

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

21:01

Last Flash Time:

21:04

First Flash Temp (F):

85

Last Flash Temp (F):

85

Flashes in Pattern:

1

Flash Color:

Green

Flash Pattern Period:

10

Flash Duration:

1

Flash Interval:

9

Male Height Zone:

High (over 8 ft)

Flash Location:

Just outside te canopy of a magnolia tree, on the opposite side of the tree from the security lights.

Male Flash Behavior:

Rising flight

Female Flash Behavior:

none observed.

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