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Observation: Photuris
Primary Observer:
Rachel Duke
Event Date:
2025-07-04
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Coal Hill Road
Province/State:
Pennsylvania
Event Date:
2025-07-04
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:40
End Time:
21:55
Number of Observers:
3
Primary Observer:
Rachel Duke
Additional Observers:
Alex Davis, Dave Duke
Target Species Genus:
Photinus
Target Species Species:
pyralis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
The survey site features approximately 2 acres of grass, some of which is wet, as a wetland habitat is located in the forest that borders the property. A stream runs through the property, and the plant life is diverse, featuring both deciduous and coniferous trees.
Some of the plant life includes norway spruce, red maple, black raspberry, black walnut, multiflora rose, wild grape, honeysuckle, cattail, and skunk cabbage.
Elevation (meters):
359.664
Area Searched (hectares):
1
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Street Lights: No
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:
This survey was conducted on July 4th, so fireworks would periodically go off in the distance, but not on the property where the survey was conducted.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Photuris
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
They were longer sustained, flashing levels; they did not swoop down, making a J-shape. You can see in several photos the flash trails going across the field of a few. I'm not sure what species this is, but based on research conducted after the survey, it appears to be most likely a Photuris, although we are unable to determine the specific species. I also thought it could have been marsh grays, but my field guide says they are uncommon and while we were in an environment that I feel they could be in, without catching one, I am unsure.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:52
Last Flash Time:
21:55
First Flash Temp (F):
70
Last Flash Temp (F):
68
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
6
Flash Duration:
.5
Flash Interval:
5
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
They would be roughly higher than the Big Dipper fireflies, around 6 feet, and making linear flashes across the survey site. We noticed that they would be closer to the stream on the site, but instead of being in the plants, they would still be flying over the grass. We also have a wetland on the property, so we thought they would likely be Marsh Grays.
Male Flash Behavior:
Steady flashes appeared across the yard, approximately 6 feet off the ground, near the water on the property. Based on our research, after reviewing the photos and discussion, we concluded that this behavior is typical of this species and documented it.
Female Flash Behavior:
We did not look for any additional flashes in response to the males. There were hundreds of fireflies flashing, so it was difficult to determine if/where there were responses.
