Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Emily Geest
Event Date:
2025-07-14
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanic Garden
Province/State:
Oklahoma
Event Date:
2025-07-14
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:30
End Time:
22:00
Number of Observers:
19
Primary Observer:
Emily Geest
Additional Observers:
Parker, Malcah Martinez, Azi Wyrick, Stephanie Smith, Crystal Butler, Rose Bemo, Cathy McGomaz, Jennifer D'Agostino, Gretchen Cole, Rebecca McHaney, Nicole Chilton, Drue Chilton, Emme Powell, Dustin Givens, Kiley Penwell, Kim Bishop, Tiffany Beasley, Daniella Biffi, Gabriella De Lola
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:
Elevation (meters):
366
Area Searched (hectares):
1.46
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): 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:
1
genus:
photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
Smaller than the rest of Photinus pyralis.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:00
Last Flash Time:
21:30
First Flash Temp (F):
87
Last Flash Temp (F):
87
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
4
Flash Duration:
1
Flash Interval:
4
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Flying high in an open grassy area.
Male Flash Behavior:
1 flash every 4 seconds. The flash lasted about 1 sec. after a few minutes the flash decreased to occurring every 3 seconds. It might just be another pyralis but it seemed a little strange.
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Photinus pyralis”
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I think this is a slightly smaller/atypical Photinus pyralis, partly based on the coloration of the pygidium (pale with dark in the center).