Observation: Photuris pensylvanica
Primary Observer:
JP
Event Date:
2026-07-27
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
Pennsylvania
Event Date:
2026-07-27
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:30
End Time:
22:00
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
JP
Additional Observers:
NA
target_species_genus:
photuris
target_species_species:
pensylvanica
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Developed - Sub/urban areas; parks/gardens
Habitat Type Notes:
Back yard consists of a creek, variety of mature trees over 50 years old including Silver Maples, Dogwood tree, Redwood tree, Hemlock tree, Black Cherry tree; slightly younger than 50 years old trees include Red Maple, Tea Hibernia, Holly, Birch. An open area beyond property line with open meadows, skunk cabbage, extension of the creek, and additional mature trees well over 50 years old untouched. Yard planted with pollinators such as Coneflowers, Wild Lilly, Gladiolus, Calla Lilly, Day Lillies, Iris, Spotted Bells, Bleeding Hearts, Begonias, Daisies, Cosmos, Petunias, Lenten Roses, a large berry bush (unknown name), and vegetable garden.
Elevation (meters):
394
Area Searched (hectares):
0.40
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:
Although sky glow, lower elevation observation area is dark.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photuris
Species:
pensylvanica
Observation Notes:
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:30
Last Flash Time:
22:00
First Flash Temp (F):
68
Last Flash Temp (F):
68
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
One to two minutes
Flash Duration:
One second or less
Flash Interval:
One second or less
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Along creekside, berry bush, Redwood, Silver Maples, Hemlocks.
Male Flash Behavior:
Single flash only.
Single flash followed by a glide leaving a j-streak.
Two flashes with a pause in between.
