Species Snapshot
TYPE:
Flashing firefly
GENUS:
Pyractomena
SIZE:
Medium (10 - 13 mm)
HABITAT:
Damp meadows, marshes, swamps
MONTHS:
April, May, June
TIME:
After dark
Flash Pattern
P. palustris
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. palustris
Size:
Pronotum:
(Head Shield)
Medium (10 - 13 mm)
Yellow with large black elongated triangle in center, bordered with pink. Sides have dark marks. Noticeable central ridge.
Scutellum:
Dark
Elytra:
(Wing Covers)
Brownish-gray with blurred yellow borders
Abdomen:
Thorax:
Eyes:
Dark, often central yellow marks
Dark
Large. Male's eyes are larger than the female's.
Male has 2 lanterns on abdominal segments 6 & 7. Female has 4 lanterns, 2 each on segments 6 & 7.
Lanterns:
Legs:
Short, dark
Map of Arkansas Sightings
P. palustris
More information on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species