Observation: Photinus knulli
Primary Observer:
Anna Walker
Event Date:
2022-07-29
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Tumacacori National Historic Park
Province/State:
Arizona
Event Date:
2022-07-29
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
19:54
End Time:
20:42
Number of Observers:
2-10
Primary Observer:
Anna Walker
Additional Observers:
Participants of the Invertebrates in Education and Conservation Conference.
target_species_genus:
photinus
target_species_species:
knulli
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
25-50
Habitat Type:
Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream
Habitat Type Notes:
Cottonwood forest.
Elevation (meters):
989
Area Searched (hectares):
.05
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): No
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:
Site was remote, so very little light pollution. There where some UV light traps running about 300 meters away, but the light was likely blocked by the trees.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photinus
Species:
knulli
Observation Notes:
This is a very small Photinus species, likely just over 5mm. Flashing started closer to the ground but got higher as the night went on. Eventually there were fireflies flashing high in the cottonwood trees as well. Not sure if they were male or female. Slight synchrony was noticed. Display area was open field, with tall grass and a few scattered shrubs, in the flood plain of the Santa Cruz river. It was bordered on both sides by relatively thick trees.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:01
Last Flash Time:
20:42
First Flash Temp (F):
78.8
Last Flash Temp (F):
75
Flashes in Pattern:
3
Flash Color:
Unknown
Flash Pattern Period:
6
Flash Duration:
1
Flash Interval:
5
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Flashes are across the open area, as well as high up in the trees.
Male Flash Behavior:
Males give off a quick series of three flashes at intervals of about 5 seconds. They often exhibit slightly vertical flight from the first flash to the third flash.
Female Flash Behavior:
No noticed. Possibly flashing from up in the cottonwood trees.
