Observation: Photinus pyralis

Observation: Photinus pyralis

Primary Observer:

Emily Geest

Event Date:

2025-07-16

Status:

Verified

Survey

Site Name:

Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanic Garden

Province/State:

Oklahoma

Event Date:

2025-07-16

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

20:30

End Time:

22:00

Number of Observers:

12

Primary Observer:

Emily Geest

Additional Observers:

Mandy and OZS guests, and Monica and OZS guests

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

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

Artificial Light Notes:

 

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

Number Observed:

2-10

Genus:

Photinus

Species:

pyralis

Observation Notes:

J-shape flying, except for the one caught in a spider web. That one was just blinking very erratically with no pattern...

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

20:30

Last Flash Time:

22:00

First Flash Temp (F):

81

Last Flash Temp (F):

80

Flashes in Pattern:

1

Flash Color:

Yellow

Flash Pattern Period:

6

Flash Duration:

1

Flash Interval:

6

Male Height Zone:

Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)

Flash Location:

moderate height in vegetation. Some were in a grassy lawn area at moderate height.

Male Flash Behavior:

1 flash that lasts about 1sec. They started out with 6 secs in-between each flash but it sped up to 5 secs in-between each flash by 9:30.

Female Flash Behavior:

 

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