Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Miranda Adams
Event Date:
2026-07-29
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Ray Harral Nature Park
Province/State:
Oklahoma
Event Date:
2026-07-29
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
19:30
End Time:
21:00
Number of Observers:
4
Primary Observer:
Miranda Adams
Additional Observers:
Aleia, Beth, Korbin, Chantry
target_species_genus:
photinus
target_species_species:
pyralis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Oak Hickory forest.
Elevation (meters):
188
Area Searched (hectares):
0.080901
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
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): 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:
Outdoor lighting from neighborhood houses, Path lighting in front of the nature center, parking lot lighting, and vehicles. Light spill from inside the nature center.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
50+
genus:
photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
Specimen is approximately 1.5 inches, observed flashing low in the forest in an area with an open understory.
Specimen Voucher Number:
1
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:04
Last Flash Time:
21:00
First Flash Temp (F):
88
Last Flash Temp (F):
84
Flashes in Pattern:
2
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
6
Flash Duration:
>1
Flash Interval:
6
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Flashes were primarily around 4ft high, with some flashes lower and some flashes higher.
Male Flash Behavior:
Male flashed in a swooping motion with approximately 6 seconds between flashes. Most males flashed twice but some were observed to flash more.
Female Flash Behavior:
A female was observed on a low plant; she was seen to flash twice for less than a second each, with only a few seconds between flashes. The male was observed flashing before landing with the female, and mating behavior was observed.
