Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Mary Patterson
Event Date:
2026-06-30
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Mill Creek Falls Nature Preserve #4
Province/State:
Pennsylvania
Event Date:
2026-06-30
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:00
End Time:
22:30
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Mary Patterson
Additional Observers:
Ross Patterson
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream
Habitat Type Notes:
trail along a stream deep in woods, high hills on either side of stream
Elevation (meters):
119
Area Searched (hectares):
2
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:
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
2-10
genus:
photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
flew across trail in front of us
Note - my husband thinks this is a Photinus pyralis because of the J shape flash pattern, but I think it is a Photuris species because of the subtle stripe on elytral and hunch back and the elytral edge curl so this may not be a correct ID entry
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:15
Last Flash Time:
22:30
First Flash Temp (F):
79
Last Flash Temp (F):
79
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
6
Flash Duration:
1
Flash Interval:
5
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
waist to chest height on observers
