Observation: Photuris walldoxeyi
Primary Observer:
Ozi
Event Date:
2026-06-18
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
Tennessee
Event Date:
2026-06-18
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:15
End Time:
21:35
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Ozi
Additional Observers:
NA
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
There are trees surrounding the area and many shrubs and weeds of various sizes, grass, flowers, etc. on the entire property currently, but it isn't a dense forest; the fireflies I observed were mainly flying about on the open yard (though I have seen them in the tree areas).
Elevation (meters):
~457.2
Area Searched (hectares):
1 hectare or less.
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): 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:
The street light closest was a neighbors in the next yard over about 30-50 feet away. Not very close but enough to be an eyesore in that direction (there was also a second lamp even further away, but I'd say 100 ft and downhill, so not in the way). The building light was light from windows of my house peaking through curtains.
Observation
Observation Type:
Without Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photuris
Species:
walldoxeyi
Observation Notes:
Flashing was frequent! I have some notes, but not enough to fill out the flashing form so I'll put them here (hopefully that's okay): The flashing (likely males?) ranged from Moderate to High, all the way to the top of some trees (so ~20 foot at least), but most stayed within 10 foot of the ground. The color was warm yellows, I'm not sure that I saw any green (and all the videos I took have no green, but unsure if the camera warps color.)
The one I held I didn't measure but I think about 12 mm would be accurate compared to my thumb it was on. When I cupped it in my hands it was hovering above grass a foot from the ground, not moving very quickly.
I believe they're Cypress fireflies, but any thoughts would be appreciated!
