Photinus pyralis, otherwise known as the Big Dipper Firefly, the Eastern Firefly, or the North American Firefly, are found in moist areas in Eastern North America like Pennsylvania or Tennessee. This organism is sometimes commonly confused for Photuris pyralis for the similar sounding Genus Photuris. This species is known for its common name because of its J-shaped flying pattern.

They are normally 10-14 mm long. Their glow is caused by a chemical reaction called Bioluminescence. Photinus pyralis is commonly known for signaling early in the evening, compared to other species to signal a bit later in the night

Author: Rebel H.
Published: 01/2013

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Photo credit: http://lakecountynature.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/photinus_pyralis_firefly_glowing.jpg