Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Sharon L Sellers
Event Date:
2025-07-10
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
Illinois
Event Date:
2025-07-10
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:00
End Time:
21:00
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Sharon L Sellers
Additional Observers:
target_species_genus:
photinus
target_species_species:
pyralis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
>1000
Habitat Type:
Developed - Sub/urban areas; parks/gardens
Habitat Type Notes:
Urban front yard with no grass, and some native plants.
Elevation (meters):
181
Area Searched (hectares):
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:
50+
genus:
photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
Have seen many more this year than in the past. I have removed all grass from my front yard, and have many other plantings, some native to Illinois. The fireflies on the entire block seem to mostly be coming from my yard, but I have observed some scattered down my block.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:00
Last Flash Time:
22:30
First Flash Temp (F):
80
Last Flash Temp (F):
78
Flashes in Pattern:
>4
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
10
Flash Duration:
10
Flash Interval:
10
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Mostly over areas with vegetation.
Male Flash Behavior:
Many males.
Female Flash Behavior:
Hard to see.
