Observation: Photuris
Primary Observer:
Eva Alexander
Event Date:
2026-06-20
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Colhoun Preserve
Province/State:
Connecticut
Event Date:
2026-06-20
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:40
End Time:
21:47
Number of Observers:
4
Primary Observer:
Eva Alexander
Additional Observers:
Sofia Brooks, Caitlin Neville, and Lia Lavin.
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 habitat where we found the fireflies was a meadow with a woodland tree area surrounding it (where there were also a few fireflies), and a wetland pond about 200ft away within the forest.
Elevation (meters):
105
Area Searched (hectares):
.101171
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
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): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
The preserve itself was very dark although there was light visible from the surrounding vehicles and homes.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photuris
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
This firefly was very hard to catch as it flew down into the bushes and stopped flashing when we attempted to catch it. About 1.1mm in length according to paper ruler.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:50
Last Flash Time:
23:00
First Flash Temp (F):
72
Last Flash Temp (F):
70
Flashes in Pattern:
>4
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
10-15
Flash Duration:
.25
Flash Interval:
1
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Just above the brush of the open meadow (4-5ft)
Male Flash Behavior:
The firefly we identified may be female, although we believe this was a male due to its flash behavior. Males moved a lot during their flash patterns horizontally across the meadow (about 10ft). Males started flashing higher up (8ft or higher), moved down and horizontally for about 15 seconds, then flew down into the brush.
Female Flash Behavior:
Flashes were rapid, low in the the brush (1-2ft) with longer breaks between flashes.
