Observation: Photuris
Primary Observer:
Lindy Fine
Event Date:
2026-06-27
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
Gunpowder Big Falls Rd. parking area
Province/State:
Maryland
Event Date:
2026-06-27
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
00:30
End Time:
00:45
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Lindy Fine
Additional Observers:
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
25-50
Habitat Type:
Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream
Habitat Type Notes:
Elevation (meters):
Tbd
Area Searched (hectares):
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:
Without Flash Data
Number Observed:
50+
genus:
photuris
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
16mm, female, mGDD approx 1560
Chinese Lantern, not sure what current designation is or if multiple species have been elucidated -- hence "unknown"
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
Last Flash Time:
First Flash Temp (F):
Last Flash Temp (F):
Flashes in Pattern:
Flash Color:
Flash Pattern Period:
Flash Duration:
Flash Interval:
Male Height Zone:
Flash Location:
Male Flash Behavior:
Female Flash Behavior:
2 thoughts on “Observation: Photuris”
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Thanks for this incidental observation! I agree that “Photuris unknown” is a sound approach for these fireflies. Is the Chinese Lanterns ID based on flash behavior or physical appearance?
In 2018 (a year after Lynn published her book), Jim Lloyd published descriptions of several species with slow glow/Chinese lantern-like flash pattern. These include Photuris alleganiensis, Photuris appalachianensis, Photuris asacoa, Photuris cowaseloniensis, and Photuris hiawasseensis. Most of these have only been studied at a single location. Photuris alleganiensis in some ways best fits the Chinese Lanterns of Lynn’s book.
If you’re curious to read about Photuris alleganiensis, you can find Lloyd’s description on p. 73 of the pdf.
This is an excellent, integral reference — which I missed, embarrassingly — and it is much appreciated! I’m *very* eager to read about these 2018 species designations.
In the absence of this more current information, I arrived upon my suggestion of P. Chinese Lantern based upon the following:
Size (large and broad, 16mm body length); dark scutellum with pale tip; prominent vittae that notably widen at the shoulder and then taper to ~3/4 the length of the elytra; dark abdominal ventrites up to abdominal segment 5, just anterior to the lantern segments, which is pale-bordered; and dark coxae.
Also, this observation site was notably consistent with reported habitat preferences. Time of year seemed ok.
Lastly: I do actually have flash pattern videos from this excursion. I believe that a pattern suggestive of this species cluster is clearly visible (sustained ~2 sec greenish glow with gradual in *and* gradual out)…but it is not the dominant flash pattern that would jump out at you. Multiple species are present and represented, for sure. I was hesitant to arbitrarily make associations myself…plus her being a female…but I’d happily post a clip (somewhere?) if it would be useful, or of interest, to those with more expertise.