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
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:
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.
