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Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Ed Chapman
Event Date:
2025-07-07
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
13 Hardenberg St., New Brunswick
Province/State:
New Jersey
Event Date:
2025-07-07
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
19:30
End Time:
20:00
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, wild mustard, goldenrod, native and non-native "weeds." Unmowed grass. Oak, maple, hackberry. Fig trees. Grape arbor.
Elevation (meters):
69
Area Searched (hectares):
1/8
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: 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): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
Backyard with extensive tree shade.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
Fireflies came up in a pause in the rain. Not very enthusiastic flying or flashing. 15-20 in the backyard. Males flying, females stationary on leaves.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
19:30
Last Flash Time:
20:00
First Flash Temp (F):
82
Last Flash Temp (F):
81
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
1-2
Flash Duration:
1-2
Flash Interval:
4-5
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Mostly fairly low, all across the backyard.
Male Flash Behavior:
Flying, typical J pattern.
Female Flash Behavior:
Stationary, on leaves near the ground.
2 thoughts on “Observation: Photinus pyralis”
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Thanks for submitting this firefly observation! Even without a photo, I agree with your ID, based on the J-shaped flash pattern, early evening display time, and habitat.
A quick note about flash pattern details:
“Flash pattern period” refers to the number of seconds between the start of a flash pattern and the start of the next repetition of that flash pattern. For species with a single-pulse flash pattern, flash pattern period is equal to flash duration + flash interval. So, with your estimates, I think flash pattern period would 5-7 seconds, not 1-2. The Firefly Atlas data sheet has diagrams on the back that illustrate these terms.
Many thanks! Flash period, flash interval, and flash duration had me a bit confused. Also, now I’ve found the data sheet with the chart and downloaded it. Happy firefly watching!