Observation: Micronaspis floridana
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2025-04-21
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Shell Mound, Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge
Province/State:
Florida
Event Date:
2025-04-21
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:31
End Time:
22:30
Number of Observers:
8
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Additional Observers:
J. Mays, D. Cook, R. Owen, J. Buenrostro, C. Keating, R. Kamzelski, A. Kamzelski
Target Species Genus:
Micronaspis
Target Species Species:
floridana
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
25-50
Habitat Type:
Tidal Marsh - Salt marsh or brackish marsh
Habitat Type Notes:
The survey site is a peninsula surrounded by a mix of salt marsh (dominated Juncus roemerianus) and mangroves (mainly Avicennia germinans). Other plants near the high tide line included cabbage palmetto, Eastern red cedar, red mangrove, white mangrove, southern seaside goldenrod, perennial glasswort, and salt grass. A maritime hammock occurs slightly more inland.
Elevation (meters):
0.5
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): 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 some sky glow near the horizon, but otherwise this site is free from artificial light.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Micronaspis
Species:
floridana
Observation Notes:
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:46
Last Flash Time:
22:30
First Flash Temp (F):
76
Last Flash Temp (F):
76
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
Not recorded
Flash Duration:
brief
Flash Interval:
Not recorded
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Flashes were above and among the marsh and mangrove vegetation, as well as occasionally over the parking lot.
Male Flash Behavior:
The first male we observed had irregular flash behavior; it was giving a sustained glow rather than flashing. Other males were doing more typical single flashes with flash periods of 2-4 seconds (not measured).
Female Flash Behavior:
A perched female was seen giving a prolonged glow/flash.
