Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Mara Zimmerman
Event Date:
2026-06-25
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Kellys Run Site #1
Province/State:
Pennsylvania
Event Date:
2026-06-25
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:22
End Time:
22:00
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Mara Zimmerman
Additional Observers:
Lisa Zimmerman
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:
There was also a small forest section within the searched area and a small meadow caused by light lines between the trees.
Elevation (meters):
210.1
Area Searched (hectares):
2.87
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
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): 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:
50+
genus:
photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
Male and female specimen were caught. Male specimen was 1.4cm long and female specimen was 1.6cm long.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:39
Last Flash Time:
21:30
First Flash Temp (F):
71.2
Last Flash Temp (F):
N/A
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
6.6
Flash Duration:
0.63
Flash Interval:
5.5in
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft)
Flash Location:
Flashes were in short brush along the edges of the mowed trail, with some in the higher grass.
Male Flash Behavior:
Males had a J shaped pattern.
Female Flash Behavior:
Females had a long glowing flash that lasted 0.7s. Male started flashing just before female flash ended.
