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Loopy five firefly

Loopy five firefly

Photuris forresti
An adult Photuris forresti. (Photo: Lynn Faust.)
U.S. State
Georgia
South Carolina
Tennessee
Identification

Activity Period and Flash Signal

This species emits a series of erratic greenish-yellow pulses and prolonged flash trains in a five-spot looping pattern. 

Distribution

This firefly has been documented from just a handful of sites in three states—Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Habitat Associations

The loopy five firefly occurs in marsh habitats.

Conservation Status
Threats

Habitat loss is the main threat to this species, followed by light pollution. Habitat protection and increased survey efforts are critically needed to protect this firefly. One of the few sites from which it was known has been destroyed for the construction of a golf course.

Conservation Needs
  • We need to know more about the distribution of this species. Please check out the Firefly Atlas to help us track and conserve this threatened species. This species has a distinct five-spot looping flash pattern that should help with ID.
  • Turn off your outdoor lights at night so the lights of this firefly aren’t diminished by light pollution. You can read more about firefly-friendly lighting in our fact sheet.
  • Avoid pesticide use, which could harm this firefly, its habitat, or its prey.
Prepared By

Candace Fallon, The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, based on the IUCN Red List assessment

USA