Observation: Photinus acuminatus
Primary Observer:
Keith Gabrielsen
Event Date:
2026-06-21
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
Georgia
Event Date:
2026-06-21
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:30
End Time:
22:15
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Keith Gabrielsen
Additional Observers:
Anna Gabrielsen
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Elevation (meters):
15-20
Area Searched (hectares):
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: Yes
Street Lights: No
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:
Observed in a suburb. Lights all around the suburb, but area with fireflies is significantly darker. Sheltered by a huge maple tree and surrounded by very large cypress and fencing. Nestled in between several backyards that have opted to keep old growth trees unlike other neighbors who have cut them down. This creates a tiny oasis of darkness.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
50+
genus:
photinus
Species:
acuminatus
Observation Notes:
I’m completely guessing on the scientific name. The site also would not let me upload the video I took of them. I see these fireflies every year in only one spot and have never seen them anywhere else. They flash 4-5 times very fast then take a break for several seconds before restarting. The light looks bright white, almost like an LED Christmas light. They appear right at sunset and they hang out in the giant maple tree in my neighbors yard. There are so many it looks like the tree is covered in glitter or Christmas lights. They are only in the gigantic maple and cypress right next to it and venture nowhere else. They are very high up and never come down low enough for me to catch one to see what they look like. June 20th is their peak day. But they’ll be around for a few more weeks into July. AI told me it’s likely photinus, but I really don’t know. No clue on the species name. I wish I could have uploaded the video.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:30
Last Flash Time:
22:15
First Flash Temp (F):
80
Last Flash Temp (F):
79
Flashes in Pattern:
>4
Flash Color:
White
Flash Pattern Period:
0.5
Flash Duration:
3
Flash Interval:
0.3
Male Height Zone:
High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Way up in the 50 foot maple tree in my neighbors yard. Lowest I’ve ever seen one was the top of my olive tree which is about 8 feet high. They prefer to be far above that.
Male Flash Behavior:
White light. Very fast flash. 4-5 in a row in rapid fire. Then they take a break for several seconds before starting again.
