Species Profiles

Species Profiles

The following fireflies are the species that were found on the property. These individuals only represent the fireflies that were collected, based on flash patterns at the various study locations, there could be many more species residing on the White Memorial property. 

Photinus consanguineous

This firefly is considered to be widespread throughout the United States (Faust 2017). It emits a yellow-amber flash pattern that flashes quickly twice every seven seconds. 

Location: Ongley Pond

Photuris spp. 

This firefly is one of the largest fireflies on the property. Unfortunately, this genus is not researched enough to easily identify them down to the species, so White Memorial could have many species within this genus! We do know that this genus emits a yellow-green flash and it is known to mimic the flash of other fireflies for the purpose of predation (Faust 2017).

Location: Ongley pond, Mallard Marsh, Cranberry Pond, Haight Parcel, Cat Swamp, Pitch Road

Photinus consimilis 

Found along the eastern seaboard, this species emits a yellow-amber flash pattern (Faust, 2017). The specimen pictured above is a female unlike the other specimens collected.

Location: Ongley pond

Photinus aquilonius 

This species flashes yellow-amber but the pattern was not observed at the time of capture. 

Location: Mallard Marsh

Photinus pyralis

A large member of the Photinus genus, this firefly emits a yellow-amber flash once every 7 seconds. 

Location: Cranberry pond and Cat swamp

Photinus ignitus

This firefly is common in open areas and emits a yellow-amber flash once every 6 seconds. 

Location: Mallard Marsh

Photinus scintillans

Like the other members of the Photinus genus, this firefly emits a yellow-amber flash pattern but once every ~3 seconds. 

Location: Haight Parcel