Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Ai Wen
Event Date:
2026-07-14
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
Iowa
Event Date:
2026-07-14
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:30
End Time:
21:30
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Ai Wen
Additional Observers:
NA
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Developed - Sub/urban areas; parks/gardens
Habitat Type Notes:
Elevation (meters):
278
Area Searched (hectares):
0.25
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): Yes
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:
No artificial lights except sky diffusion
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
Not able to capture an individual tonight.
Cause an individual 2 nights later. Length about 15mm
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:40
Last Flash Time:
21:30
First Flash Temp (F):
85
Last Flash Temp (F):
81
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
6
Flash Duration:
0.5
Flash Interval:
5
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Above plants in my garden, flying up while flashing, making a "J" shape
Male Flash Behavior:
Flying upwards while flashing, making a "J" shape; only flash once, then a long period without flashing; it's hard to determine when the next flash is
