Observation: Photuris tremulans
Primary Observer:
Jonathan Shirley
Event Date:
2026-05-31
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
Kentucky
Event Date:
2026-05-31
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:30
End Time:
00:15
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Jonathan Shirley
Additional Observers:
NA
target_species_genus:
photuris
target_species_species:
tremulans
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream
Habitat Type Notes:
Cypress trees and Cattails
Elevation (meters):
155
Area Searched (hectares):
8
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): 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:
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
50+
genus:
photuris
Species:
tremulans
Observation Notes:
Most were flashing in low-hanging branches around head-height, or flying too fast to catch.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
22:00
Last Flash Time:
00:05
First Flash Temp (F):
70
Last Flash Temp (F):
66
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
Consistent flashing for as long as I could keep an eye on a single beetle
Flash Duration:
.25
Flash Interval:
3-4
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Tip of abdomen
Male Flash Behavior:
Quick flashes every 3-4 seconds, yellowish-green in hue. There were also flicker-flashes occasionally. The fireflies were hard to catch in a net, they would travel a dozen feet between flashes.
Female Flash Behavior:
None observed
