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Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2025-07-16
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
DeCamp Wildlife Trail upland area, Edwin B. Forsythe NWR
Province/State:
New Jersey
Event Date:
2025-07-16
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
19:47
End Time:
22:48
Number of Observers:
6
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Additional Observers:
Nick M., Brian G., Griffin D., Olivia M., Michael M.
Target Species Genus:
unknown
Target Species Species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
100-250
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Pitch pine- oak forest, with some black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) and red maple (Acer rubrum). The survey area also included a wide, open trail or ROW that had grasses and forbs (this area had a higher density of Photinus pyralis).
Elevation (meters):
2
Area Searched (hectares):
3.2
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): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
Glare from streetlights and buildings in the vicinity of Brick Beach.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
Photinus pyralis were found displaying from the parking lot, along the trail, and at the grassy trail/ROW. Captured male measured about 11 mm long.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
19:47
Last Flash Time:
20:41
First Flash Temp (F):
81
Last Flash Temp (F):
81
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
5.5
Flash Duration:
0.5
Flash Interval:
5
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Mostly found low above the leaf litter in the forest understory and in the grassy ROW.
Male Flash Behavior:
Upward rising yellow flashes. Flash pattern periods ranged from 4-5 seconds, median 4.6.
Female Flash Behavior:
One female was found later in the evening (10:30 PM), glowing from the forbs in the ROW.
