Observation: Unknown
Primary Observer:
Andrew Schrantz
Event Date:
2025-07-12
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
Tysons Pimmit Park
Province/State:
Virginia
Event Date:
2025-07-12
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
22:30
End Time:
23:30
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Andrew Schrantz
Additional Observers:
target_species_genus:
target_species_species:
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Developed - Sub/urban areas; parks/gardens
Habitat Type Notes:
Elevation (meters):
114
Area Searched (hectares):
0.5
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
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:
The area is surrounded by light sources (neighborhood on one side, library on another), but the pocket of trees and shrubs is dense enough to block much of this light, leaving a small habitat available
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
unknown
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
The pocket of trees I was in had a high concentration of fireflies that I've heard referred to as "Chinese Lanterns" (long flash duration of ~2 seconds, much brighter than other fireflies).
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
22:30
Last Flash Time:
23:30
First Flash Temp (F):
80
Last Flash Temp (F):
80
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
~8
Flash Duration:
2
Flash Interval:
6
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Unknown
Male Flash Behavior:
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Unknown”
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Thank you for submitting this firefly observation! I am curious about what species you might have seen. The big dipper firefly (Photinus pyralis) is one of the more common firefly species in the DC region, but it typically displays earlier in the evening (artificial light might extend its display time) and low to the ground. Chinese lantern fireflies are in the genus Photuris, and typically have a more green flash color.