Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Lisa Zimmerman
Event Date:
2026-08-26
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Kelly's Run Site 1
Province/State:
Pennsylvania
Event Date:
2026-08-26
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
19:35
End Time:
21:20
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Lisa Zimmerman
Additional Observers:
Mara Zimmerman
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
25-50
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
Many tall grass and flower species
Elevation (meters):
216.0
Area Searched (hectares):
2.867
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: No
Buildings: Yes
Street Lights: No
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): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
2-10
genus:
photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
First flash was at 8:29 PM from a single firefly but more came out around 9:00 PM. The first few sightings were very limited in number of repeated flashes. Initially flash interval was greatly increased from those earlier in the season. In first few sightings males would flash once and then disappear for many minutes at a time.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:29
Last Flash Time:
21:15
First Flash Temp (F):
73.3
Last Flash Temp (F):
72.5
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
8.5
Flash Duration:
0.25
Flash Interval:
8.25
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
The sighted males were mostly in the 3-8 ft. height range with some seeming to be slightly higher than previous males in the season. They typically hung out over grassy regions of the habitat.
Male Flash Behavior:
Males flew in a J shaped flash pattern although there was some irregularity.
Female Flash Behavior:
None were spotted
Status Changes
| DATE | USER | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-08-27 17:39:19 | Lisa Zimmerman | ->unreviewed |
| 2026-10-08 16:40:15 | Richard Joyce | unreviewed->verified |
