Observation: Photinus obscurellus

Observation: Photinus obscurellus

Primary Observer:

Richard Joyce

Event Date:

2025-06-16

Status:

Verified

Survey

Site Name:

Dwelly Farm Conservation Area - Pollinator Field

Province/State:

Massachusetts

Event Date:

2025-06-16

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

20:43

End Time:

22:10

Number of Observers:

11

Primary Observer:

Richard Joyce

Additional Observers:

Emily M., Anna W, Annie W., Henry W., Donald I., Jack M., Cassidy. W.G, Anne G., Ryan T.

Target Species Genus:

unknown

Target Species Species:

unknown

Location and Habitat

Location Accuracy (meters):

25-50

Habitat Type:

Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant

Habitat Type Notes:

A field with pollinator plantings that was formerly filled with dense field pine (Pinus strobus). Plants include vetch (Vicia), Canadian lousewort (Pedicularis canadensis), Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea), tall blue indigo, non-native lupine, goldenrod and Monarda.

Elevation (meters):

305

Area Searched (hectares):

0.3

Artificial Light Sources

Vehicles: Yes
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): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No

Artificial Light Notes:

Occasional vehicles driving by on Barre Road cast light trespass into the surveyed habitat.

Observation

Observation Type:

Non-Flashing

Number Observed:

2-10

Genus:

Photinus

Species:

obscurellus

Observation Notes:

The only individual captured was on the ground. Triplet flashes seen earlier in the evening were likely confused with Photuris flash patterns. Captured male was ~11 mm long.

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

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Female Flash Behavior:

 

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