Observation: Photinus pyralis

Observation: Photinus pyralis

Primary Observer:

Sharon L Sellers

Event Date:

2025-07-10

Status:

Unverified

Survey

Site Name:

Sellers Home

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

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

Artificial Light Notes:

 

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

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.

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This is a project of the Xerces Society, working in collaboration with the IUCN SSC Firefly Specialist Group and New Mexico BioPark Society.

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