Observation: Photinus dimissus

Observation: Photinus dimissus

Primary Observer:

Allen Knutson

Event Date:

2024-07-18

Status:

Verified

Survey

Site Name:

Clymer Meadow Preserve TNC

Province/State:

Texas

Event Date:

2024-07-18

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

14:23

End Time:

14:24

Number of Observers:

1

Primary Observer:

Allen Knutson

Additional Observers:

none

Target Species Genus:

unknown

Target Species Species:

unknown

Location and Habitat

Location Accuracy (meters):

250-500

Habitat Type:

Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant

Habitat Type Notes:

Large open field, almost all Johnsongrass 3-4 ft tall. Adjacent to tree line along deep, dry gully. Hackberry trees and others.

Elevation (meters):

198 feet

Area Searched (hectares):

0.5 hectares

Artificial Light Sources

Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No

Artificial Light Types

Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No

Artificial Light Notes:

none

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

Number Observed:

11-50

Genus:

Photinus

Species:

dimissus

Observation Notes:

First observed flying 1-2 ft above ground in wooded area and later flying in above open grassy areas. Slow, horizontal flight with rapid twinkling flash repeated in a long train of constant flashing, two flashes per second. Adult 5-6 mm in length. Identification based upon information at firefly.org.

Specimen Voucher Number:

AEK1, AEK2

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

21:05

Last Flash Time:

21:50

First Flash Temp (F):

89

Last Flash Temp (F):

88

Flashes in Pattern:

>4

Flash Color:

Yellow

Flash Pattern Period:

.

Flash Duration:

.

Flash Interval:

.

Male Height Zone:

Moderate (3-8 ft)

Flash Location:

Males first flying 1-2 ft above ground and then later 3-4 ft above open grasslands.

Male Flash Behavior:

Do not have flash details but the twinkling, two-flash /sec train of flashes and physical characteristics provide confidence in identification.

Female Flash Behavior:

.

1 thought on “Observation: Photinus dimissus”

  1. A belated thank you for submitting this observation! I agree that this is Photinus dimissus, based on the small size, tapering elytra, pale scutellum and quick, twinkling flashes.

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