Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Daniel Chacon
Event Date:
2026-05-16
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
Louisiana
Event Date:
2026-05-16
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:15
End Time:
21:10
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Daniel Chacon
Additional Observers:
N/A
target_species_genus:
photinus
target_species_species:
pyralis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
250-500
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
There is a significant native tree line as well as an open grass field that is cut every other week.
Elevation (meters):
48
Area Searched (hectares):
.276
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): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
Observation area is a semi-rural area with neighbors on each side of a five acre property. Each neighbor has a single large bright floodlight that casts into the firefly areas in some spots. Additionally, some minor light trespass from our house from indoor lighting and fence lighting.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
50+
genus:
photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
Body length was noted to be about half an inch. Microhabitat is a wooded treeline with primarily native species as well as a large open field of grass that is cut every other week. Behaviors were somewhat consistent with constant flashing being noted of multiple flashes in a row from some bugs and long steady flashes in succession from others. It was not identified if these two different flashes were different species.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:11
Last Flash Time:
21:10
First Flash Temp (F):
77
Last Flash Temp (F):
75
Flashes in Pattern:
>4
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
1
Flash Duration:
5
Flash Interval:
1
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Within wooded treeline and open grass field.
Male Flash Behavior:
Two male flash behaviors were believed to be seen. First being 5 flashes about a second each until pausing for three seconds then reflashing. Second flashing behavior identified was a long continuous flash of 4-7 seconds and then repeating after a few seconds. The second behavior the bugs were moving extremely fast while the first behavior behavior was noted to be relatively stationary/slowly hovering.
Female Flash Behavior:
I do not know the differences between male and female flash behavior.
