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Observation: Photuris
Primary Observer:
Eric Egelund
Event Date:
2025-07-25
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
Browns Road
Province/State:
Florida
Event Date:
2025-07-25
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
22:00
End Time:
22:30
Number of Observers:
3
Primary Observer:
Eric Egelund
Additional Observers:
Alexander Egelund, Pierce Egelund
Target Species Genus:
unknown
Target Species Species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
25-50
Habitat Type:
Forested Wetland - Swamp, cedar bog, mangrove
Habitat Type Notes:
Elevation (meters):
10
Area Searched (hectares):
1
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Artificial Light Types
Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
2-10
Genus:
Photuris
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
Near a tree line but in a lawn with a few large oaks and over grass. This male was approximately half-inch in length, 10-12mm. Was also flying out of the tree line, and had a bright flash. When caught he flashed repeatedly. [Note: in contrast to the smaller fireflies observed earlier in the week which did not flash at all once in the net that I could tell. The three smaller males observed earlier were approximately 5-6 mm in length], so presumably different species.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
22:00
Last Flash Time:
22:30
First Flash Temp (F):
82
Last Flash Temp (F):
81
Flashes in Pattern:
>4
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
Unknown
Flash Duration:
less than 1 second
Flash Interval:
2-3 seconds
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Male was flying between four and ten feet.
Male Flash Behavior:
Every couple of seconds. When caught in net flashed repeatedly.
Female Flash Behavior:
N/A
2 thoughts on “Observation: Photuris”
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Thanks for submitting this firefly observation! Nice job getting photos of the upper and under sides as well as flash pattern details.
This firefly is in the genus Photuris and it is a male. Traits that point to Photuris include the green flash color (vs yellow in most Photinus and amber in most Pyractomena), the long legs, the hunched body posture (“shoulders” are higher than the head), and the markings on the head shield (pronotum).
While it can’t be identified definitively from these photos, one species that seems likely is Photuris douglasae, based on location, the 10-12 mm length, and the shape of the dark marking on the pronotum.
Thanks so much, Richard. Much appreciated for taking the time to review. Trying to figure out how to take better photos with it walking around in the container if you have any tips.