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Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Terri Cleary
Event Date:
2025-08-06
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Redwood Holt
Province/State:
Michigan
Event Date:
2025-08-06
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:10
End Time:
21:30
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Terri Cleary
Additional Observers:
Daniel Cleary
Target Species Genus:
Pyractomena
Target Species Species:
dispersa
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
Elevation (meters):
272
Area Searched (hectares):
Pyractomena dispersa
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: Yes
Street Lights: No
Buildings: Yes
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:
11-50
Genus:
Photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:10
Last Flash Time:
21:30
First Flash Temp (F):
70
Last Flash Temp (F):
70
Flashes in Pattern:
2
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
10
Flash Duration:
2
Flash Interval:
5
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft)
Flash Location:
Above unmowed, mid-height weeds
Male Flash Behavior:
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Photinus pyralis”
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Thanks for submitting this firefly observation! Based on the photo, this appears to be Photinus pyralis or the big dipper firefly, which would make sense given the suburban landscape setting.
The flash pattern details that would be expected for this species would be the following:
Flashes in pattern=1
Flash pattern period=3-7 seconds, depending on the temperature
Flash duration= >0.5 seconds
Flash interval= similar to the flash pattern period, but subtracting ~0.5 seconds
That said, sometimes single flashing species can briefly appear to be giving a double flash pattern. Usually if you watch it for a while, the pattern becomes more clear.