Observation: Photuris
Primary Observer:
Mary Bieker
Event Date:
2026-06-17
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
Kansas
Event Date:
2026-06-17
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:45
End Time:
22:00
Number of Observers:
Primary Observer:
Mary Bieker
Additional Observers:
NA
target_species_genus:
photuris
target_species_species:
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
50-100
Habitat Type:
Developed - Sub/urban areas; parks/gardens
Habitat Type Notes:
Pesticide free with a single tulip tree, mostly dominated by unmowed turf grass, creeping charlie, clover, black eyed susans, and sunflowers with additional large patches of indian grass and big blue stem in the main yard with lilies, coneflowers, raspberry bushes, spider wart, and bamboo growing along the fence
Elevation (meters):
258
Area Searched (hectares):
.04
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
Artificial Light Notes:
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
1
genus:
photuris
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
They were large, about the same size as photuris seen in the yard. They were found at ground level in a patch of prairie grass. They behaved curiously but cautious. When released, they jumped across the container to the edge, seeming like they wanted a better view before flying off
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:45
Last Flash Time:
22:00
First Flash Temp (F):
84
Last Flash Temp (F):
82
Flashes in Pattern:
>4
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
10
Flash Duration:
1
Flash Interval:
1
Male Height Zone:
Flash Location:
They were flashing oddly near the ground in the prairie grass. I don't recall the amount of flashes exactly but I remember approaching because I thought it may have been a distress signal
Male Flash Behavior:
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Photuris”
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Thanks for submitting this incidental firefly observation of a Photuris. Whenever possible, it’s helpful to get a photo of the underside, both to examine the coloration and to determine whether you’re looking at a male or a female. A plastic sandwich bag comes in handy for this.