Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Jeffrey calta
Event Date:
2026-06-17
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Fairview Township
Province/State:
Pennsylvania
Event Date:
2026-06-17
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:25
End Time:
21:30
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Jeffrey calta
Additional Observers:
Na
target_species_genus:
photinus
target_species_species:
pyralis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
250-500
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
Front yard of my property. Old pasture field I keep mowed, no chemicals
Elevation (meters):
400
Area Searched (hectares):
3
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): 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:
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
Classic Pyralis sighting. Low to ground, began flashing at 9pm. Pyralis in my yard only rarely exhibit the classic j-pattern flash. Mostly the flash begins at the bottommost point of flight so the flash looks more like sparks shooting out of the ground.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:00
Last Flash Time:
21:30
First Flash Temp (F):
67
Last Flash Temp (F):
65
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
5-7
Flash Duration:
0.5
Flash Interval:
6-7
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft)
Flash Location:
Near to ground in grassy lawn
Male Flash Behavior:
Female Flash Behavior:
None observed
