Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Katie Hietala-Henschell
Event Date:
2026-07-18
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Phyllis Haehnle Sanctuary
Province/State:
Michigan
Event Date:
2026-07-18
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:18
End Time:
22:32
Number of Observers:
5
Primary Observer:
Katie Hietala-Henschell
Additional Observers:
Scott Smith, Penny Smith, Kristy Taylor, Steve Jerant
target_species_genus:
photinus
target_species_species:
aquilonius
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
Surveyed in both the open marsh with native phragmites, cattails, ferns, and standing water and the large meadow complex with an abundance of goldenrod, milkweed, brambles, reed canary grass, buttonbush, and Virginia creeper. Oaks were scattered throughout and present in woodland habitat.
Elevation (meters):
74
Area Searched (hectares):
0.5
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:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
50+
genus:
photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
13 mm.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:18
Last Flash Time:
22:32
First Flash Temp (F):
74
Last Flash Temp (F):
72
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
4.75
Flash Duration:
0.75
Flash Interval:
4
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Flashing low above meadow grasses and herbaceous vegetation. Fewer along tree edge and marsh edge.
Male Flash Behavior:
Distinctive swooping flash last about 0.75 seconds followed by a 4 second dark interval and repeated.
