Observation: Photinus

Observation: Photinus

Primary Observer:

Brian

Event Date:

2025-07-26

Status:

Unverified

Survey

Site Name:

Home

Province/State:

Oklahoma

Event Date:

2025-07-26

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

20:45

End Time:

20:48

Number of Observers:

2

Primary Observer:

Brian

Additional Observers:

Taryn

Target Species Genus:

unknown

Target Species Species:

unknown

Location and Habitat

Location Accuracy (meters):

0-25

Habitat Type:

Developed - Sub/urban areas; parks/gardens

Habitat Type Notes:

 

Elevation (meters):

233.477

Area Searched (hectares):

 

Artificial Light Sources

Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Patio Lights

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

Artificial Light Notes:

The only light source were our patio lights

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

Number Observed:

1

Genus:

Photinus

Species:

unknown

Observation Notes:

The firefly was maybe half an inch long. Its lower abdomen was about half its body length. It just fluttered around for a couple of minutes, then flew away.

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

20:45

Last Flash Time:

20:48

First Flash Temp (F):

82

Last Flash Temp (F):

82

Flashes in Pattern:

1

Flash Color:

Yellow

Flash Pattern Period:

0

Flash Duration:

2

Flash Interval:

0

Male Height Zone:

Moderate (3-8 ft)

Flash Location:

About 4 feet off the ground

Male Flash Behavior:

 

Female Flash Behavior:

 

1 thought on “Observation: Photinus”

  1. Thanks for this firefly report! I am curious about what species it might have been. Based on the yellow flash color and the early evening display time (8:45 PM, or ~15 minutes after sunset), I think it was most likely in the genus Photinus. Lots of big dipper fireflies (Photinus pyralis) have been documented in the Tulsa area. Having a photo of the firefly up close would help to confirm whether this is the species you have.

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