The Big Dipper Firefly (Photinus pyralis) is the most common eastern firefly, recognized by the male's distinctive J-shaped or dipper-shaped flight path paired with a half-second yellow flash every 5.5 seconds. Females respond from vegetation with a delayed answering flash. Predatory Photuris females can mimic the flash signals of other firefly species to lure in males as prey.
Habitat
Fields, forest edges, backyards, and moist meadows
Diet
Larvae: snails, worms, and invertebrates in soil. Adults: little or no feeding
How common
Common
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