Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Gini Bell
Event Date:
2026-06-09
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
The Ramble
Province/State:
North Carolina
Event Date:
2026-06-09
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:50
End Time:
21:15
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Gini Bell
Additional Observers:
Annabell Picker
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
25-50
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
Very manicured lawns with some less manicured wooded areas on edges, primarily pine with some tulip poplar and sycamore.
Elevation (meters):
664.464
Area Searched (hectares):
1.47497
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: No
Street Lights: Yes
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): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
cars driving by, some street lights came on. It was still light out as the sun had recently set, so light trespass was less noticeable. Cloudy night so no moon visible, though it would have been a waxing crescent.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
Found over manicured lawns and plantings mostly. Single flash with identifiable j shape flash pattern.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:51
Last Flash Time:
21:11
First Flash Temp (F):
71
Last Flash Temp (F):
70
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
6
Flash Duration:
.6
Flash Interval:
5.4
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
mostly over sidewalks, mulched park, lawn, and landscaped area with 1ft to 12ft shrubs and trees
Male Flash Behavior:
yellow, "J" shaped flash that lasts just under a second
Female Flash Behavior:
Not observed
