Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Rebecca St. Clair
Event Date:
2026-07-22
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Little Spartans Preschool
Province/State:
Indiana
Event Date:
2026-07-22
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:00
End Time:
22:15
Number of Observers:
8
Primary Observer:
Rebecca St. Clair
Additional Observers:
Bryan Sasser, Tara Henry, Beth Sasser, Children (15 years old) Ryeley St. Clair
target_species_genus:
photinus
target_species_species:
pyralis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
Area is a formerly developed walking track in a developed basin. The center of walking track is now prairie. Beyond the track about 100 yards is woods, with maple, honeysuckle, mulberry and buckeye. The invasive plant species observed was honeysuckle, Tree of Heaven and Canada Thistle.
Elevation (meters):
282
Area Searched (hectares):
2.02
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
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): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
Light was a significant increase from scouting location the prior week. School is getting ready to start so changes in light.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
All but 2 observed non flying. Two observed flying were 3 ft above the ground, no flash pattern. Of the observed, only 32 blinked and when they did, there was no pattern. It was just once with more than 30-60+ seconds between. All were on or near Queen Anne's Lace plant.
Specimen Voucher Number:
001
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:06
Last Flash Time:
22:02
First Flash Temp (F):
73
Last Flash Temp (F):
70
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
30-60
Flash Duration:
1
Flash Interval:
0
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft)
Flash Location:
Flashes were on leaves, approximately 2-3 feet above ground on plant leaves, stem and flowers.
Male Flash Behavior:
Single flash, 1 second. Then another flash from 30-68 seconds from first flash. 32 fireflies were individually observed.
Female Flash Behavior:
Unknown
