Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Jory Fleming
Event Date:
2026-06-11
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Fontana Village
Province/State:
North Carolina
Event Date:
2026-06-11
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
19:45
End Time:
22:30
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Jory Fleming
Additional Observers:
NA
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
500-1000
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Montane forest, in both sites. Dominated by deciduous trees, with relatively open understory and some herbaceous ground cover. Both locations had small creeks nearby.
Elevation (meters):
600
Area Searched (hectares):
10
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
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:
Site 1 had some light pollution from nearby buildings and occasional passing cars, while site 2 only had occassional passing cars. Both had relatively minimal ALAN, with no sky glow.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
~16mm. Preferred open areas (this one netted near a building). First flash was observed en route to another location on site 1, so first flash is unknown.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:20
Last Flash Time:
21:40
First Flash Temp (F):
82
Last Flash Temp (F):
82
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
7
Flash Duration:
0.4
Flash Interval:
7
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Moderate heights over open areas. Yellow color, and had the J-shape movement while flashing of P. pyralis.
Male Flash Behavior:
Male height hovering followed by horizontal movement.
