Observation: Phausis reticulata
Primary Observer:
Kim Hadley
Event Date:
2023-06-13
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Spring Trail
Province/State:
North Carolina
Event Date:
2023-06-13
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:30
End Time:
21:50
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Kim Hadley
Additional Observers:
Lynn Gordon
Target Species Genus:
Phausis
Target Species Species:
reticulata
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Open Freshwater Wetland - Wetland Bog, fen, freshwater marsh
Habitat Type Notes:
A large spring filters down a seap which is surrounded by old growth woodland forest. The seap is all grasses. The surrounding forest has a high canopy, little to no undergrowth, very dark and moist. Trees are maple, hickory, etc.
Elevation (meters):
1102
Area Searched (hectares):
0.5
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Artificial Light Types
Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Phausis
Species:
reticulata
Observation Notes:
Saw perhaps a total of 20 male blue ghosts over the time period. They were slowly meandering down from the top of the ridge to the valley where the seap is located. Several glows of females also spotted near me on ground vegetation, one female seen on a log next to path I was on just 20' from the lowest part of the area next to the seap. I was unable to photograph her though.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:30
Last Flash Time:
21:45
First Flash Temp (F):
55
Last Flash Temp (F):
54
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Blue
Flash Pattern Period:
45
Flash Duration:
45
Flash Interval:
0
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft)
Flash Location:
Sorry, I don't know how to answer.
Male Flash Behavior:
Long flash lasting 30-50 seconds
Female Flash Behavior:
Actually didn't notice the flash - appeared to just stay lit for extended periods.
