Observation: Photinus pyralis

Observation: Photinus pyralis

Primary Observer:

Jen Hunsinger

Event Date:

2025-07-11

Status:

Verified

Survey

Site Name:

Home

Province/State:

Pennsylvania

Event Date:

2025-07-11

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

20:12

End Time:

21:18

Number of Observers:

1

Primary Observer:

Jen Hunsinger

Additional Observers:

NA

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:

Grasses and mostly undisturbed ground cover under tall trees - maple, locust, birch, hawthorn, chestnut - in fenced in backyard; leaves were not raked and left from previous year.

Elevation (meters):

170.0784

Area Searched (hectares):

.0648001066

Artificial Light Sources

Vehicles: No
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:

50+

Genus:

Photinus

Species:

pyralis

Observation Notes:

 

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

20:12

Last Flash Time:

21:18

First Flash Temp (F):

85

Last Flash Temp (F):

81

Flashes in Pattern:

1

Flash Color:

Yellow

Flash Pattern Period:

25

Flash Duration:

brief

Flash Interval:

4.661

Male Height Zone:

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

Flash Location:

Males flying just above grasses flashing in J shape pattern, flew higher as time passed up near the trees

Male Flash Behavior:

Near the ground, slow and J shaped; later as they flew higher, appeared faster and J shape not as pronounced

Female Flash Behavior:

Females increased flashing after 8:40pm.

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