Observation: Pyractomena lucifera
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2024-06-06
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Rocky River Nature Park
Province/State:
South Carolina
Event Date:
2024-06-06
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:14
End Time:
23:13
Number of Observers:
4
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Additional Observers:
Mike Ferro, Sharon Bewick, Niko Artley
Target Species Genus:
Photuris
Target Species Species:
forresti
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
250-500
Habitat Type:
Open Freshwater Wetland - Wetland Bog, fen, freshwater marsh
Habitat Type Notes:
The survey spanned multiple habitats, including upland forest and open wetland. The focal habitat was the wetland traversed by the boardwalk, which contained willows, arrow arum (Peltandra virginica), sedges (Carex lupulina and crinita), red maple (Acer rubrum), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalus), and broadleaf arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia).
The upland forest included eastern red cedar, Virginia pine, red maple, pines, sycamore, water oak, white oak and American sweetgum.
Elevation (meters):
200
Area Searched (hectares):
2
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 are no sources of artificial light within the preserve.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
50+
Genus:
Pyractomena
Species:
lucifera
Observation Notes:
About 8 mm long.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:15
Last Flash Time:
21:30
First Flash Temp (F):
80
Last Flash Temp (F):
79
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
4
Flash Duration:
quick
Flash Interval:
Not recorded
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft)
Flash Location:
Flashes were from the tips of, and just above, the emergent aquatic vegetation on both sides of the boardwalk.
Male Flash Behavior:
Very quick, yellow flashes. Long exposure image shows the color as greenish yellow, but they appeared more yellow. Flash periods from voice recording observations of two individuals averaged 3.8 seconds (3.3-4.7 range).
Female Flash Behavior:
Not observed.
