Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Emily Geest
Event Date:
2026-06-22
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanic Garden
Province/State:
Oklahoma
Event Date:
2026-06-22
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:30
End Time:
22:39
Number of Observers:
25
Primary Observer:
Emily Geest
Additional Observers:
Seamus Ehrhard, Rebecca McHaney, Dana Veatch, Lilly Jaciesen, Michelle Scott, Robert Stang, ShiAnn Ingalls, Tracy Armstrong, Hal Cantwell, Gretchen Cole, Bradley Benton, Kayla Benton, Val Grachja, Elle McGovern, Mike Penning, Trudy Penning, Sadie-Mae Carmean, Jocelyn Wordby, Brandi Johann, Cole Penning, Pryce Duily, Shelby Yates, Lawrence Gray, and Scott Carpenter
target_species_genus:
photinus
target_species_species:
pyralis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Developed - Sub/urban areas; parks/gardens
Habitat Type Notes:
Elevation (meters):
366
Area Searched (hectares):
1.46
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
vending machines, interior building lights, light reflection off lake surface
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
vending machines, interior building lights, light reflection off lake surface
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:
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
I think this is a Photinus pyralis but its flash pattern was different than the rest and it was the tinest firefly ever!!
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:37
Last Flash Time:
22:00
First Flash Temp (F):
75
Last Flash Temp (F):
70
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
7.5
Flash Duration:
1.5
Flash Interval:
6
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Wooded area of the zoo, and flying about moderate height (torso level)
Male Flash Behavior:
1.5 sec flash every 6 secs
