Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Riley Hill
Event Date:
2026-07-08
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Powerline field
Province/State:
Maryland
Event Date:
2026-07-08
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:00
End Time:
21:28
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Riley Hill
Additional Observers:
Alix Zahn
target_species_genus:
photuris
target_species_species:
lucicrescens
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
50-100
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
Power line at top of the hill, field almost entirely made up of 8-10 different species of plant, most tall grasses and flowering plants, most not in bloom, five deer were spotted at 7:58 hanging around the unmaintained grassland, species of spider and beetle spotted, katydids spotted, many different moths and leafhoppers, two dragonflies spotted, one praying mantis, eastern wood-pewees spotted hunting at 8:28, bats spotted at 8:41, Barred owls heard at 9:10
Elevation (meters):
66.632608
Area Searched (hectares):
0.1
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): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
a small light source came from the nearest building’s yard but it was very dull, field was very dark
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
50+
genus:
photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
favored flying out in the open field, a few were spotted at 7:41 but they became very active after 8:37, mostly male, 5-10 females spotted from the start and end time, flying 3-15ft
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
19:41
Last Flash Time:
21:28
First Flash Temp (F):
78
Last Flash Temp (F):
75
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
1
Flash Duration:
1-2
Flash Interval:
10-15
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
most flashed over open field, some stayed closer to bushes or trees
Male Flash Behavior:
swooping motions that go upwards or downwards, usually “J” shaped, very bright and leaves a subtle yellow-green trail like a glowstick
Female Flash Behavior:
brief 1-2 second flashes, always perched on grass, infrequent
