Observation: Photinus curtatus
Primary Observer:
Rebecca Stevenson
Event Date:
2025-07-08
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
Tecumseh South Elementary School
Province/State:
Kansas
Event Date:
2025-07-08
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:00
End Time:
21:15
Number of Observers:
13
Primary Observer:
Rebecca Stevenson
Additional Observers:
Aubrey Mesecher, Corey Mesecher, Brynlee Woolbert, Becca Woolbert, Mahria Dillard, Mr. Dillard, Masyn Dillard, Jaqobi Dillard, Jaqari Dillard, Brooklyn Davis, Brody Davis, Angie Davis
target_species_genus:
photinus
target_species_species:
pyralis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
25-50
Habitat Type:
Developed - Sub/urban areas; parks/gardens
Habitat Type Notes:
open mowed park area with osage orange, walnut, hackberry, and elm
Elevation (meters):
294
Area Searched (hectares):
.8
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
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:
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photinus
Species:
curtatus
Observation Notes:
Flashing in the tree line more than the grass
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:05
Last Flash Time:
21:15
First Flash Temp (F):
79
Last Flash Temp (F):
79
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
2
Flash Duration:
1
Flash Interval:
1
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Flashing in the treeline, generally 1-5 ft high.
Male Flash Behavior:
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Photinus curtatus”
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Thank you for submitting this firefly observation!
As far as I’m aware, Photinus marginellus is not found in Kansas, though the closely-related Photinus curtatus is. I have tentatively changed the species from P. marginellus to P. curtatus.
Have you seen the the online Field Guide to Western North American Fireflies, by Larry Buschman? It’s a great resource for your area.
https://entomology.k-state.edu/doc/Kansas%20Fireflies%20May%202015.pdf