Observation: Photuris
Primary Observer:
Emily Geest
Event Date:
2025-07-09
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanic Garden
Province/State:
Oklahoma
Event Date:
2025-07-09
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:30
End Time:
22:00
Number of Observers:
20
Primary Observer:
Emily Geest
Additional Observers:
Michelle Scott, Scott Carpenter, Kyle Falls, Shelby Yates, Sue Hunt, Claudia Pina, Jay, Zoe, Emily, Emma Bower, Wren Geiger, Zack Geiger, Lili Geiger, Sereh Geiger, Kayli Anne W., Bradley Folwer, Candece Rumrold, Stephanie Harrison, Janice Talbert, Rueben Avila.
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:
Zoo and botanical gardens. The area we searched before we were rained out was a shrubby wooded area beside a large lake.
Elevation (meters):
366
Area Searched (hectares):
1.46
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
vending machines, interior building lights, light reflection off lake surface
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
vending machines, interior building lights, light reflection off lake surface
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): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
2-10
genus:
photuris
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
All on the ground, quick erratic flashes.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:30
Last Flash Time:
22:00
First Flash Temp (F):
83
Last Flash Temp (F):
83
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
1
Flash Duration:
0.5
Flash Interval:
3-5
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft)
Flash Location:
On the ground but moving very quickly.
Male Flash Behavior:
I always thought these were male but now that I think they are female, I don't know if I've ever seen the male!
Female Flash Behavior:
Rapid blinking, sometimes erratic. Running around on the grassy lawn.
1 thought on “Observation: Photuris”
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From what I can see of the lanterns, this looks like a male to me. Unfortunately, flash behavior from perched or walking fireflies is often not very helpful for ID because it is rarely the courtship flash pattern.