Observation: Pyractomena borealis
Primary Observer:
Amber Elder
Event Date:
2026-03-08
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
Louisiana
Event Date:
2026-03-08
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
19:44
End Time:
20:05
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Amber Elder
Additional Observers:
N/A
target_species_genus:
photuris
target_species_species:
frontalis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Elderberry, pine, wild blackberry, American Beauty Berry
Elevation (meters):
21.6
Area Searched (hectares):
0.89
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: Yes
Neighbors have drivway lights
Street Lights: No
Buildings: Yes
Neighbors have drivway lights
Artificial Light Types
Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): No
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:
A bit of light, but nothing disruptive.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
2-10
genus:
pyractomena
Species:
borealis
Observation Notes:
Went outside. Observed a good number of P. borealis. Saw a faint glowing on a pine tree near driveway entrance. Watched her as another firefly (a male?) flew toward her. She gave a quick (double?) flash at him and he went on his way. I caught her to take photos because I found her very interesting. Her abdomen looked a bit swollen and she had a faint constant glow. Thought that perhaps another parasite… then I remembered something to my horror… I’d seen something similar before… a faint after-copulation glow of a P. frontalis female!!! Very possibly that that girl was full of eggs. I immediately ran outside and took her back to her tree. Oh! I hope I didn’t damage anything.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
19:44
Last Flash Time:
20:15
First Flash Temp (F):
70º
Last Flash Temp (F):
70º
Flashes in Pattern:
2
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
?
Flash Duration:
?
Flash Interval:
?
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Pine woods.
Male Flash Behavior:
?
Female Flash Behavior:
Quick flashes at males who flew by.
