Species Snapshot
TYPE:
Flashing firefly
GENUS:
Photinus
SIZE:
Small to Med (5 - 11 mm)
HABITAT:
Lawns & meadows, tall grass
MONTHS:
April to early July
TIME:
Starting about 30 minutes after sunset
Flash Pattern
P. punctulatus
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. punctulatus
Size:
Pronotum:
(Head Shield)
Small to Med (5 - 11 mm)
Pitted texture. Light yellow and red with a dark central mark expanded toward the front.
Scutellum:
Varies
Elytra:
(Wing Covers)
Dark with light yellow borders
Abdomen:
Thorax:
Eyes:
Dark
Dark
Large.
Male has lanterns on abdominal segments 6 & 7. Female is brachypterous (short wings, can't fly).
Lanterns:
Legs:
Short
Map of Arkansas Sightings
P. punctulatus
More information on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species