[3][4][5] P. consimilis is a medium-sized beetle, with adults that measure about 10—11 mm (0.4 in) long.

The head shield, or pronotum, is pale yellow with a dark, central bar that is sometimes wider at the front, bounded by red or pink.

[2] Beetles such as P. consimilis go through four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

[2] Adult male P. consimilis fireflies fly usually about eye level or lower, flashing a series of quick pulses to attract the attention of females.

A female responds with an answering double flash from a perch on low vegetation, and the communication continues until the male and female locate each other in order to mate.