Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Ed Chapman
Event Date:
2026-07-05
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
13 Hardenberg St., New Brunswick
Province/State:
New Jersey
Event Date:
2026-07-05
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:23
End Time:
20:40
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Ed Chapman
Additional Observers:
Norma Hoffman
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:
Various urban weeds. Asters, mugwort, goldenrod,
Elevation (meters):
18
Area Searched (hectares):
1/6 acre
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
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
Backyard is mostly shaded from surrounding buildings, but there is some light trespass.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
2-10
genus:
photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
4 males flying. They seem smaller than last year. Two females flashing from a honeysuckle and an unidentified plant. So far, very few fireflies compared with last year.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:23
Last Flash Time:
20:30
First Flash Temp (F):
74
Last Flash Temp (F):
76
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
6
Flash Duration:
brief
Flash Interval:
6
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
The males were flying throughout the yard, one female in the honeysuckle, one on an unidentified weed.
Male Flash Behavior:
Typical J-pattern
Female Flash Behavior:
Females mostly stayed still or moved very little.
