Observation: Photinus ardens
Primary Observer:
Cai
Event Date:
2026-06-11
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
GLSP ~ Hicks Beltway by the Spillway from the marsh
Province/State:
New York
Event Date:
2026-06-11
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:30
End Time:
23:40
Number of Observers:
3
Primary Observer:
Cai
Additional Observers:
Chris Chien, Caitlin Glynn
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Forested Wetland - Swamp, cedar bog, mangrove
Habitat Type Notes:
unsure, dominant plant of wetland; however, the forest directly surrounding the water is hemlock-dominant.
Elevation (meters):
450.52
Area Searched (hectares):
1.4
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): No
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:
There are light sources at the welcome center; however, the Welcome center is around 940 Feet away, and we couldn't see any light
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
2-10
genus:
photinus
Species:
ardens
Observation Notes:
Photinus (consimilis???? I am still learning my I.D.), there were two similar-looking fireflies with a very similar pattern. This was the "Slow Three" variant. could be the same firefly with some difference in frequency. We separated them in case that is helpful data.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:23
Last Flash Time:
23:20
First Flash Temp (F):
76
Last Flash Temp (F):
71
Flashes in Pattern:
3
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
8
Flash Duration:
.5
Flash Interval:
.75
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Primarily over the wetland, however would float through the woods as well.
Male Flash Behavior:
It felt unpredictable. would frequently turn, not sharp angles. Lazily like the similar Fast 3, however, during the dark period, it was easy to lose. 3 slow blinks followed by a stince of silence. There was a breath in between each blink. fully out before the next began.
Female Flash Behavior:
potential response from the tree canopy.
1 thought on “Observation: Photinus ardens”
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This is definitely a member of the “Photinus ardens” group, which includes ardens, carolinus, consimilis, and obscurellus (based on the pointed, dark pygidium; dark scutellum; dark abdominal segments; and flash pattern with >2 pulses). Based on the location and number of pulses in the flash pattern, it is either ardens or obscurellus. I added Photinus ardens as a tentative ID based on the “slowness” (longer interval between the pulses) of the flash pattern, but the dark maroon coloration of the pronotum would point to obscurellus.