Observation: Photinus
Primary Observer:
Cai
Event Date:
2026-06-19
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
GLSP Welcome Center
Province/State:
New York
Event Date:
2026-06-19
Time of Day:
Day-Time
Start Time:
11:14
End Time:
11:15
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Cai
Additional Observers:
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Developed - Sub/urban areas; parks/gardens
Habitat Type Notes:
Welcome center area near our main forest. Native pollinator garden present and playground adjacent
Elevation (meters):
461.39
Area Searched (hectares):
Artificial Light Sources
Artificial Light Types
Artificial Light Notes:
Observation
Observation Type:
Without Flash Data
Number Observed:
1
genus:
photinus
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
Filiform Antnnae (11 segments); ~13mm length; Defined yellow Elytral Margin; 2 Large Pores on Segments 6 & 7 (lantern). Other abdominal segments are very dark, including 8/9. seemed like it was potentially injured and slowly excreted a yellow liquid from its sides with a grassy smell (pictured second to last photo). Hard to count the tarsi on the hind leg, 3? The Pronotum seems to be thinner than in other observations & the coloration is visible/ the same on both the top and the bottom. pronotal markings = solid smooth black bar across the middle with two incomplete orange half circles to either side, then a yellow margin and black tips on the top corners of the rounded trapezoid shape it has.
Catch & Release ~ best guess: Pyractomena borealis
Looks very similar to one from a night survey we did, hopefully someone will be able to ID them better than I. Always documented on iNaturalist
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
Last Flash Time:
First Flash Temp (F):
Last Flash Temp (F):
Flashes in Pattern:
Flash Color:
Flash Pattern Period:
Flash Duration:
Flash Interval:
Male Height Zone:
Flash Location:
Male Flash Behavior:
Female Flash Behavior:
2 thoughts on “Observation: Photinus”
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This is a very intriguing observation! The appearance in some ways (the extent of dark coloration on the sides of the pronotum, a central pronotal marking that is not “flared” in shape, no maroon/”murky” background coloration on the pronotum) the best matches Photinus carolinus, which is not known to occur this far east in New York.
Did you observe any yellow, multi-pulse flash patterns in the upland forest in June?
We have not had any in our documented surveys (potentially in some casual observations), but I will note for surveys next year to search specifically for that flash pattern combined with this appearance.