Observation: Photuris pensylvanica
Primary Observer:
Lisa Zimmerman
Event Date:
2026-06-17
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Kelly's Run Site 1
Province/State:
Pennsylvania
Event Date:
2026-06-17
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:05
End Time:
21:45
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Lisa Zimmerman
Additional Observers:
Mara Zimmerman
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
25-50
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
The meadow was next to a parking lot that was surrounded by mowed grass.
Elevation (meters):
213
Area Searched (hectares):
2.87
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
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): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
The glare and light trespass were inconsistent came from car driving by since the site was near a road. The sky glow came from the mostly cloud covered moon.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
50+
genus:
photuris
Species:
pensylvanica
Observation Notes:
This species was observed flashing above the taller grass of the meadow and high up in the surrounding trees, They appeared to flash twice in quick succession, with the second flash being sustained. The specimen caught was about 2cm.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:00
Last Flash Time:
21:45
First Flash Temp (F):
N/A
Last Flash Temp (F):
N/A
Flashes in Pattern:
2
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
4
Flash Duration:
0.07
Flash Interval:
0.03
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Flashes occurred right above the tall meadow grasses and up into the tree tops at the edge of the meadow
Male Flash Behavior:
At the beginning of the night the doublet flashes were more even in length but as the night progressed the pattern became more light the dot-dash pattern that is more typical of pennsylvanica.
