Species Snapshot
TYPE:
Flashing firefly
GENUS:
Photinus
SIZE:
Medium (10 mm)
HABITAT:
River valleys & forests near streams
MONTHS:
May to August
TIME:
About 30 minutes before sunset for about an hour
Flash Pattern
P. macdermotti
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. macdermotti
Size:
Pronotum:
(Head Shield)
Medium (10 mm)
Light yellow and red with a black, rectangular central mark
Scutellum:
Dark
Elytra:
(Wing Covers)
Dark with well-defined, light yellow borders
Abdomen:
Thorax:
Eyes:
Dark
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. macdermotti
More information on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species