Observation: Photuris frontalis
Primary Observer:
Amber Elder
Event Date:
2026-04-16
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
Louisiana
Event Date:
2026-04-16
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
19:31
End Time:
20:11
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Amber Elder
Additional Observers:
NA
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, Ferns, American Beauty Berry, Oak, etc.
Elevation (meters):
~20.4
Area Searched (hectares):
~.89
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
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:
Neighbors have driveway lights and twinkle lights on houses.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
2-10
genus:
photuris
Species:
frontalis
Observation Notes:
~1/2"
Marshy area... lots of underbrush and leaf litter
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:05
Last Flash Time:
20:11
First Flash Temp (F):
73º
Last Flash Temp (F):
73º
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
White
Flash Pattern Period:
1 flash per second
Flash Duration:
1/2
Flash Interval:
1 Flash per second
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
In the wooded areas near my yard and driveway.
Male Flash Behavior:
That familiar Snap-Snap-Snap pattern.
Female Flash Behavior:
N/A
2 thoughts on “Observation: Photuris frontalis”
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Nicely documented observation of Photuris frontalis!
My only comment is that 1/2 seconds is actually fairly long for a firefly flash. Video measurements of Photuris frontalis flashes have found them to be incredibly brief– more like 0.04 seconds!
Because flash duration is much harder to measure than flash pattern period, I often end up entering “Not recorded” or “Not recorded, but brief” in the flash duration field.
You are right. I realized later that 1/2 seconds was too long! Ha! I’ll take a leaf out of your book and put in “not recorded.” Thank you.