Observation: Photinus jamesi

Observation: Photinus jamesi

Primary Observer:

Richard Joyce

Event Date:

2025-06-18

Status:

Verified

Survey

Site Name:

Dwelly Farm Conservation Area - Pollinator Field

Province/State:

Massachusetts

Event Date:

2025-06-18

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

20:30

End Time:

22:29

Number of Observers:

12

Primary Observer:

Richard Joyce

Additional Observers:

Emily M., Erin K., Kurt F., Jen M., Lauren M., Jeff M., Kayla K., 3 additional participants

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:

Pollinator field established from an old pasture that had grown up in thick, open-grown white pine. Plants included large-leaved lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus), red oak (Quercus rubra) and birch (Betula) seedlings, bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), and Canadian lousewort (Pedicularis canadensis).

Elevation (meters):

305

Area Searched (hectares):

0.5

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): Yes

Artificial Light Notes:

Passing vehicles on Barre Road caused light trespass and glare within the survey area.

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

Number Observed:

11-50

Genus:

Photinus

Species:

jamesi

Observation Notes:

Body length of 9 mm.

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

20:54

Last Flash Time:

21:40

First Flash Temp (F):

71

Last Flash Temp (F):

70

Flashes in Pattern:

2

Flash Color:

Yellow

Flash Pattern Period:

7

Flash Duration:

not recorded

Flash Interval:

1.6

Male Height Zone:

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

Flash Location:

Among and just above herbaceous vegetation in the field. They seemed more abundant around the taller vegetation in the field (knee-high) or taller.

Male Flash Behavior:

Pairs of quick yellow flashes. Inter-flash gaps (flash intervals) ranged 1.6 to 1.8 seconds, with a mode of 1.6 seconds. Flash pattern period ranged from 6.45 seconds to 7.3 seconds.

Female Flash Behavior:

A female was found flashing very dimly from the ground.

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