Observation: Photinus ignitus
Primary Observer:
Renaldo Browne
Event Date:
2026-07-21
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
THE WOODS HABITAT (2026)
Province/State:
Virginia
Event Date:
2026-07-21
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:25
End Time:
20:35
Number of Observers:
One
Primary Observer:
Renaldo Browne
Additional Observers:
None
target_species_genus:
photinus
target_species_species:
ignitus
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Developed - Sub/urban areas; parks/gardens
Habitat Type Notes:
Elevation (meters):
1
Area Searched (hectares):
1
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:
photinus
Species:
ignitus
Observation Notes:
THE WOODS HABITAT (2026)
Most of the fireflies were on one side of the hiking trail, and a few, which included a couple of females were located about 25-50 yards from where I was observing. Some flew well above 8'. NOTE: There was heavy rain earlier in the evening.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:25
Last Flash Time:
20:35
First Flash Temp (F):
80 Degrees
Last Flash Temp (F):
80 Degrees
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
6 Fireflies flashed in a 10 second period
Flash Duration:
About one second
Flash Interval:
About 3 seconds
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Both sides of the hiking trail, and some further down. Some of the flashes were well above 8'.
Male Flash Behavior:
Various locations on both sides of the hiking trail, at various heights.
Flashing about every 3 seconds.
Female Flash Behavior:
25 feet down the hiking trail. Only flashed once.
