Observation: Unknown
Primary Observer:
JP
Event Date:
2026-07-31
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
Pennsylvania
Event Date:
2026-07-31
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:45
End Time:
22:15
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:
Open grassy area with mature Silver Maples, Redwood, Dogwood, Hemlock, and several pollinator plants.
Elevation (meters):
394
Area Searched (hectares):
.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:
unknown
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
Just before it gets dark, hundreds of Fireflies can be seen throughout entire neighborhood 0-3 feet with a variety of flash patterns including areas where there are porch lights or spot lights. After night fall there is less detected activity for the month of July compared to a very active June.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:45
Last Flash Time:
22:15
First Flash Temp (F):
72
Last Flash Temp (F):
71
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
7
Flash Duration:
Flash Interval:
0
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft)
Flash Location:
Open grassy area surrounded by mature Silver Maples, Redwood, Dogwood, Hemlock, and pollinator plants.
Male Flash Behavior:
One flash followed by a seven second pause repeated flash pattern four times.
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Unknown”
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Thank you for this firefly survey and observation!
It’s hard to know which species you were observing without a photo of the firefly up close, but based on the dusk activity period, my guess is that you were seeing fireflies in the genus Photinus, perhaps the big dipper firefly (Photinus pyralis).
Photuris pensylvanica (the ID initially entered), is associated with wetlands, becomes active after dark, and has a “dot-dash” flash pattern consisting of a quick flash followed by a long glow, usually while descending in height.
[I entered 7 into the flash pattern period field based on the flash pattern description and 0 in lieu of leaving the the flash interval field blank because it’s currently a required field.]