Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Houston Leigh Williams
Event Date:
2026-06-05
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
Iowa
Event Date:
2026-06-05
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:45
End Time:
00:10
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Houston Leigh Williams
Additional Observers:
NA
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Developed - Sub/urban areas; parks/gardens
Habitat Type Notes:
Suburban area. However one of oldest neighborhoods in desmoines. Most homes are over 100 years old. Trees are very established. Many Oaks some black walnut trees. Used to have many ash trees however were lost to ash borers. Majority of properties are .5 to 1 acre. Most properties are 75 feet wide and 330 feet back. Woods line back of properties. Mostly untouched near the creek.
Elevation (meters):
743
Area Searched (hectares):
.2023
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:
We were currently experiencing a lightening storm with no rain. Sky was very illuminated with lightening. Being close to the city of des moines there is a faint glow from the city, a few street lamps nearby. Most residential lights are motion activated. Was cloudy but also a wanning gibbous moon, a lot of moon light was leaking through.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
2-10
genus:
photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
Did not see them closely, there were only a couple of them off in another area of the yard, about 4 feet off of the ground. Longer yellow flash, appeared to move diagonally and then pause before turning off their flash.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
09:45
Last Flash Time:
00:00
First Flash Temp (F):
78
Last Flash Temp (F):
75
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
4.6
Flash Duration:
.6
Flash Interval:
4
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Above an area of lawn and gravel. Approximately 8 feet away from the other group of fireflies in the grass.
Male Flash Behavior:
"J" pattern. Dashed down and to the right, appeared to pause or move slightly up before turning off flash.
