Observation: Photinus brimleyi
Primary Observer:
Pam Morgan
Event Date:
2026-07-02
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Queen Wilhelmina State Park
Province/State:
Arkansas
Event Date:
2026-07-02
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:22
End Time:
21:45
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Pam Morgan
Additional Observers:
Clint Morgan
target_species_genus:
photinus
target_species_species:
brimleyi
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Elevation (meters):
753
Area Searched (hectares):
.2
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:
There was a bright street light on the street. Not visible once we entered the woods.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
50+
genus:
photinus
Species:
brimleyi
Observation Notes:
9 mm long (male)
Hundreds flashing low in the woods. Some were flying over the trail. They flew fairly slowly and were very easy to catch.
One female was observed flashing in the leaf litter near the trail. After we saw her flash, we were able to get her to respond to a yellow flashlight also, so we could locate her precisely and capture her. The response flash was a single flash.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:06
Last Flash Time:
21:45
First Flash Temp (F):
78
Last Flash Temp (F):
78
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
1.75
Flash Duration:
.25
Flash Interval:
1.5
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Low (2 to 4 ft above ground) among the trees in the woods, sometimes over the trail.
Male Flash Behavior:
Males flew fairly straight and slowly, flashing once every 1 to1.5 seconds. I did not notice the "fishhook" pattern noted by Lloyd.
Female Flash Behavior:
The one female we observed responded quickly with a single flash. She was in the leaf litter.
