Observation: Pyractomena borealis
Primary Observer:
Emma Despland
Event Date:
2026-06-09
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
camping plage des sables
Province/State:
Quebec
Event Date:
2026-06-09
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:45
End Time:
22:15
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Emma Despland
Additional Observers:
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
25-50
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Plantation of red and jack pines in a campground, tended lawn in understory - place for installing tents. No fireflies in open field nearby (where there is more light).
Elevation (meters):
150
Area Searched (hectares):
0.1
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: Yes
Street Lights: No
Buildings: Yes
Artificial Light Types
Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): No
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:
In a campground, fireflies seen under cover of red and jack pine plantation (trees ca 8 m) where somewhat darker. A lit building about 20 m away.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
2-10
genus:
pyractomena
Species:
borealis
Observation Notes:
Species identity not confirmed, based on behavior only. Short flashes at 3 sec intervals with movement in between - about 50 - 100 cm distance between subsequent flashes. Slight movement trail. Fireflies seen at mid trunk up to canopy of pine trees (about 3- 6 m up).
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:45
Last Flash Time:
22:15
First Flash Temp (F):
65
Last Flash Temp (F):
65
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
White
Flash Pattern Period:
3 sec
Flash Duration:
0.1
Flash Interval:
3
Male Height Zone:
High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Under cover of trees in pine plantation, mid trunk to canopy height.
Male Flash Behavior:
Female Flash Behavior:
none observed
