Species Snapshot
TYPE:
Flashing firefly
GENUS:
Photinus
SIZE:
Medium (8.5 - 11.5 mm)
HABITAT:
Forests & shaded lawns
MONTHS:
May, June, July
TIME:
20 to 25 minutes after sunset for up to 5 hours
Flash Pattern
P. tenuicinctus
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. tenuicinctus
Size:
Pronotum:
(Head Shield)
Medium (8.5 - 11.5 mm)
Light yellow with a dark central mark shaped like a mushroom
Scutellum:
Pale tip
Elytra:
(Wing Covers)
Dark with very narrow 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. tenuicinctus
More information on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species