Observation: Photuris versicolor
Primary Observer:
Peggy Butler
Event Date:
2026-06-06
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
Pennsylvania
Event Date:
2026-06-06
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:30
End Time:
22:15
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Peggy Butler
Additional Observers:
Ken
target_species_genus:
photuris
target_species_species:
versicolor
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
hay field surrounded mature forest
Elevation (meters):
361.49
Area Searched (hectares):
2
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:
photuris
Species:
versicolor
Observation Notes:
Commonly called "Chinese Lanterns" when the glow and fly slowly about 6-8 ft above the ground. However, they have been known to change flash patterns and tonight observed 3 quick flashes every 6 seconds. flying 15-30 ft above the ground and up into the trees.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:30
Last Flash Time:
22:15
First Flash Temp (F):
68
Last Flash Temp (F):
67
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
3-4 seconds
Flash Duration:
2
Flash Interval:
2-3 seconds
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Initially flying low and slow over the hayfield and then climbing up to tree level and 15 to 20 above the field after 10-15 minutes.
Male Flash Behavior:
Also noted a rapid triple flash every 5-6 seconds as the time progressed. They stopped glowing and started the triple flashing. Not certain, but the males seemed to be changing flash patterns as the flew higher.
Female Flash Behavior:
Maybe seeing females single flashes in the grasses. They didn't appear to be taking off, but they were random and did not seem to repeat at any given pattern
