Observation: Unknown
Primary Observer:
Erin Tompkins
Event Date:
2026-05-31
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Chattahoochee Bend State Park
Province/State:
Georgia
Event Date:
2026-05-31
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:00
End Time:
22:30
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Erin Tompkins
Additional Observers:
Brandon Zeitner
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
100-250
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Elevation (meters):
600
Area Searched (hectares):
.5
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:
50+
genus:
unknown
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
Flashes were mostly low along the ground or 6-8in above the underbrush. Visually silver-white, and silver-white on video, but yellow in photos. In a hike over a distance of a mile, the woods off the trail were full of fireflies. I have never seen so many at once, anywhere.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:47
Last Flash Time:
22:30
First Flash Temp (F):
68
Last Flash Temp (F):
66.5
Flashes in Pattern:
3
Flash Color:
White
Flash Pattern Period:
.5
Flash Duration:
.25
Flash Interval:
1
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft)
Flash Location:
6-8in above the underbrush. A very few over 12in.
Male Flash Behavior:
Moving rapidly. Was not able to get a long-exposure. Males appeared to be very mobile, on video I can see what appears to be the same individuals crossing a space of about 5m in 10s.
Female Flash Behavior:
Occasionally synchronous flashes from the low grass, and a nearby moving male above, but usually looked more like a responding flash after less than .25s.
