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Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Tala Rogers
Event Date:
2025-08-23
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
City of Columbus Waterway
Province/State:
Ohio
Event Date:
2025-08-23
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:12
End Time:
20:54
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Tala Rogers
Additional Observers:
NA
Target Species Genus:
Photinus
Target Species Species:
pyralis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream
Habitat Type Notes:
Marsh along river inlet with cattails and various low vegetation. Large tree canopy adjacent with oaks, maples, and various trees.
Elevation (meters):
258.9
Area Searched (hectares):
.0185
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:
Very minimal sky glow from nearby residential area and low cloud cover.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
2-10
Genus:
Photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
12mm length
appeared to be male
Flying up and down as flashing in long intervals
Low to ground, not above 4 ft
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:39
Last Flash Time:
20:52
First Flash Temp (F):
75.2
Last Flash Temp (F):
73.4
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
2 - 3
Flash Duration:
2 - 3
Flash Interval:
15
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft)
Flash Location:
Occurred in the wooded area, farther from the water
Male Flash Behavior:
Flashing as flying, dropping lower, bush to bush
Female Flash Behavior:
NA
1 thought on “Observation: Photinus pyralis”
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Thank you for submitting this firefly observation! While I wouldn’t have been able to confirm the species just with the photo provided, your notes on the size and the flash pattern do point to Photinus pyralis as the species. Nice late-season observation!