Observation: Photuris
Primary Observer:
Pam Morgan
Event Date:
2024-05-15
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Bentonville near SW Elm Tree Rd
Province/State:
Arkansas
Event Date:
2024-05-15
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:40
End Time:
21:30
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Pam Morgan
Additional Observers:
Clint Morgan
Target Species Genus:
Photuris
Target Species Species:
quadrifulgens
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
25-50
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
The survey site was a pasture with a couple of horses. The full field is about 4 hectares, but from outside the fence we could only see about 1 hectare clearly. The field has not been mowed yet this year, and the 2 horses were in the field during the survey, walking around among the flashing fireflies. The field is nearly all grass. There is one large Bradford pear tree in the middle. Bordering the field are trees such as black cherry, Bradford pear, eastern red cedar, American elm, sassafras, hackberry, and Chinese privet. The border is also overgrown with grape vines and Japanese honeysuckle.
Elevation (meters):
384
Area Searched (hectares):
1
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): Yes
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:
There was no artificial light in the field, but when I turned around there were streetlights in the street behind me and porch lights on the houses.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
50+
Genus:
Photuris
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
I did not measure the firefly, but after the fact I would estimate it was 16 - 18 mm long.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:40
Last Flash Time:
21:30
First Flash Temp (F):
69
Last Flash Temp (F):
68
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
5 to 7
Flash Duration:
0.8 to 1
Flash Interval:
4 to 6
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Most flashes were over the grass in the field. These were low, usually less than 5 ft above the ground. There were some flashes that were higher, up to about 20 ft off the ground. Some of the higher flashes were in the trees on the border of the field.
Male Flash Behavior:
Most of the males were flying fairly slowly, so the 1 second flash was almost in one place, moving slowly. Occasionally one would be flying faster and the long flash was like a streak. Flashes were green. The firefly that I caught had flown down to the grass and was flashing rapidly. I didn't see another firefly there, so I didn't think it had gone down to find a female. I was at least 5 feet away, so I don't think it was reacting to my presence. It continued to flash rapidly as it walked down the grass blade to the ground. When it was very near the ground I approached and was able to catch it in my hands.
Female Flash Behavior:
Not observed.
1 thought on “Observation: Photuris”
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Thanks for submitting this survey and firefly observation, Pam!
It’s hard to tell for sure from the photo, but based on the appearance of the lanterns in the ventral image you posted, I think the individual you captured was actually a female.
Even with your flash pattern notes and photos, I’m not able to identify this firefly to species. The dark hind coxae and early season display period would align with Photuris quadrifulgens and Photuris tremulans, but their flash patterns are different from the slow/slow single flashes, 4-6 seconds apart at 68 F.
If you haven’t already, check out Larry Buschman’s guide to western fireflies (focused on Kansas and Colorado). Your firefly flash patterns line up pretty well with two species on page 8: “Photuris short crescendo” and “continuous flashing Photuris.”
It’s also possible that the flashes you saw were of female Photuris, who are infamous for doing all sorts of flash patterns.
These are great observations, so don’t be dissuaded by the lack of a species-level ID. Some day we’ll be able to connect a name to this population!