Observation: Photinus obscurellus
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2025-06-17
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Dwelly Farm Conservation Area - Back Fields East
Province/State:
Massachusetts
Event Date:
2025-06-17
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:26
End Time:
22:05
Number of Observers:
9
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Additional Observers:
Emily M., Carrie N., Jiapeng G., Yixi W., Cathy P., Ryan T., Cassidy
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:
Wet old field (previously a dairy farm pasture) with goldenrod, sensitive fern, sedges, grasses.
Elevation (meters):
308
Area Searched (hectares):
0.2
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:
Minimal ALAN except for sky glow.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Photinus
Species:
obscurellus
Observation Notes:
Body length of ~ 11 mm.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:50
Last Flash Time:
22:00
First Flash Temp (F):
67
Last Flash Temp (F):
65
Flashes in Pattern:
3
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
Not recorded
Flash Duration:
very brief
Flash Interval:
About 0.5 seconds
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Both from the tips of vegetation in the field and flying over the field at about head height.
Male Flash Behavior:
Quick, yellow double or triple flash pattern. Flash pattern period was not recorded this evening.
Female Flash Behavior:
Not observed.
