Observation: Photinus
Primary Observer:
Robert Chambliss
Event Date:
2026-05-12
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
Kentucky
Event Date:
2026-05-12
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:30
End Time:
22:10
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Robert Chambliss
Additional Observers:
Caroline Kane
target_species_genus:
photuris
target_species_species:
walldoxeyi
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
50-100
Habitat Type:
Forested Wetland - Swamp, cedar bog, mangrove
Habitat Type Notes:
Cypress swamp, gravel road between wet swamp and inundated cypress (pond)
Elevation (meters):
174
Area Searched (hectares):
1
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:
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
2-10
genus:
photinus
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
Grassy area (perhaps 1/4 acre) on side of gravel road. Inundated cypress swamp/pond on one side, wet cypress swamp on other. 3-5 individuals flashing in sync about 4-8 feet above ground. Flash pattern matches Phoninus carolinus.
Specimen Voucher Number:
1, 2
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
22:01
Last Flash Time:
22:04
First Flash Temp (F):
61
Last Flash Temp (F):
61
Flashes in Pattern:
>4
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
8
Flash Duration:
unknown, short flash
Flash Interval:
0.66
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Grassy area (perhaps 1/4 acre) on side of gravel road. Inundated cypress swamp/pond on one side, wet cypress swamp on other.
Male Flash Behavior:
3-5 individuals flashing in sync about 4-8 feet above ground. Six flashes with consistent intervals. One individual flashes once, then others join in on second or third flash. All individuals complete the six flashes.
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Photinus”
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Thanks for submitting this observation, Robert. This is definitely a Photinus in the “ardens” group, which includes carolinus, consimilis, ardens, and obscurellus, and I think that Photinus consimilis is the best fit, based on range, habitat and appearance (though the morphological differences are pretty subtle).
Your description of synchronous flash patterns is intriguing, and similar instances of patchy or intermittent synchronization has been reported from various species other than the three species known to consistent display synchronization (Photuris frontalis, Photinus carolinus, and Photinus knulli). I’d be curious to see whether you encounter more widespread synchronization in this population!