Species Snapshot
TYPE:
Flashing firefly
GENUS:
Photinus
SIZE:
Medium (8 - 11 mm)
HABITAT:
Shrubby & open woodlands, wood margins
MONTHS:
June, July, August
TIME:
Before sunset for about 45 minutes
Flash Pattern
P. australis
How to Understand the Flash Pattern image
The background of the image represents a common habitat where the firefly might be seen. The colored dots or dashes represent the flashes over time and across space (height and distance flown between flashes). Note the number of flashes, the timing in between flashes, and the color, duration, and shape of the flashes.
Note that the flash pattern will often get faster as the temperature rises.
Physical Appearance
P. australis
Size:
Pronotum:
(Head Shield)
Medium (8 - 11 mm)
Light yellow and red with a dark central mark expanded toward the front, sometimes black on edge.
Scutellum:
Reddish brown with pale tip
Elytra:
(Wing Covers)
Dark with well-defined light yellow borders
Abdomen:
Thorax:
Eyes:
Dark with pale stripes
Dark
Large. Male's eyes are larger than the female's.
Male has lanterns on abdominal segments 6 & 7. Female only has lantern on segment 6.
Lanterns:
Legs:
Short
Map of Arkansas Sightings
P. australis
More information on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species