Observation: Photinus stellaris

Observation: Photinus stellaris

Primary Observer:

Candace Fallon

Event Date:

2024-05-15

Status:

Verified

Survey

Site Name:

Honey Creek State Natural Area

Province/State:

Texas

Event Date:

2024-05-15

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

20:10

End Time:

21:50

Number of Observers:

3

Primary Observer:

Candace Fallon

Additional Observers:

Ben Pfeiffer, Nicholas Bloom

Target Species Genus:

Photinus

Target Species Species:

dimissus

Location and Habitat

Location Accuracy (meters):

0-25

Habitat Type:

Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream

Habitat Type Notes:

Riparian corridor dominated by bald cypress (Taxodium distichum); open upland areas composed of live oak-Ashe juniper with scattered meadows.

Elevation (meters):

362

Area Searched (hectares):

3

Artificial Light Sources

Vehicles: 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

Artificial Light Notes:

No ALAN observed at the site. Note that much of the site had a decent canopy cover, which kept the area quite dark, even with a nearly quarter-full moon.

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

Number Observed:

2-10

Genus:

Photinus

Species:

stellaris

Observation Notes:

 

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

21:20

Last Flash Time:

21:50

First Flash Temp (F):

83

Last Flash Temp (F):

81.5

Flashes in Pattern:

1

Flash Color:

White

Flash Pattern Period:

<1

Flash Duration:

0.5

Flash Interval:

<1

Male Height Zone:

Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)

Flash Location:

Males were flashing from approximately 3-6 ft above the ground, flying over small meadows.

Male Flash Behavior:

Male flashes were approximately 0.5 seconds in duration with short <1 second intervals between flashes.

Female Flash Behavior:

Not observed.

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