Observation: Photuris tremulans

Observation: Photuris tremulans

Primary Observer:

Richard Joyce

Event Date:

2025-05-19

Status:

Verified

Survey

Site Name:

Kings Mountain State Park, Lake Crawford

Province/State:

South Carolina

Event Date:

2025-05-19

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

23:02

End Time:

23:20

Number of Observers:

4

Primary Observer:

Richard Joyce

Additional Observers:

B. O'Brien, K. Podmore, B. Smith

Target Species Genus:

Photuris

Target Species Species:

forresti

Location and Habitat

Location Accuracy (meters):

25-50

Habitat Type:

Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream

Habitat Type Notes:

Habitats included herbaceous vegetation at one of the inlets to L. Crawford and a mix of sweet gum and thistle below the spillway which is where we spent most of the survey.

Elevation (meters):

215

Area Searched (hectares):

1

Artificial Light Sources

Vehicles: 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

Artificial Light Notes:

Minimal ALAN.

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

Number Observed:

50+

Genus:

Photuris

Species:

tremulans

Observation Notes:

About 13 mm long.

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

23:10

Last Flash Time:

23:35

First Flash Temp (F):

71

Last Flash Temp (F):

71

Flashes in Pattern:

1

Flash Color:

Green

Flash Pattern Period:

2.2-4.7

Flash Duration:

short

Flash Interval:

~2--4.5

Male Height Zone:

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

Flash Location:

Flashes were both low over the brushy field and among the trees bordering the opening, including high in the canopy.

Male Flash Behavior:

Flash patterns consisted of a mix of bright single flashes at periods of 2.2-4.7 seconds and rapid flickers emitted in flight.

Female Flash Behavior:

Not observed.

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