Species Snapshot
TYPE:
Flashing firefly
GENUS:
Photuris
SIZE:
Medium (11 - 13 mm)
HABITAT:
Varied. Fields, marshes, near streams.
MONTHS:
May, June, July
TIME:
20 minutes after sunset for 1 or 2 hours
Flash Pattern
P. missouriensis
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. missouriensis
Size:
Pronotum:
(Head Shield)
Medium (11 - 13 mm)
Light yellow and red with a dark center shaped like an arrow, T, or anchor
Scutellum:
Pale
Elytra:
(Wing Covers)
Brown with light yellow margins, sometimes stripe on each
Abdomen:
Thorax:
Eyes:
Dark brown
Brown
Large. Male's eyes are larger than the female's.
In abdominal segments 6 & 7. The segments are completely yellow in males. In females, the segments are yellow in the middle and brown on the edges.
Lanterns:
Legs:
Long. Light yellow close to body.
Map of Arkansas Sightings
P. missouriensis
More information on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species