Observation: Photuris forresti
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2023-05-25
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Wolf Creek Wetlands, Pickens
Province/State:
South Carolina
Event Date:
2023-05-25
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:35
End Time:
22:37
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Additional Observers:
Lynn Faust
target_species_genus:
photuris
target_species_species:
forresti
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
25-50
Habitat Type:
Open Freshwater Wetland - Wetland Bog, fen, freshwater marsh
Habitat Type Notes:
The survey included grassy mowed road shoulder, and shrubby open wetlands along Wolf Creek in Pickens, SC. Plants included red maples, sedges, arrowhead (Sagittaria sp.), cattails, and grasses.
Elevation (meters):
280
Area Searched (hectares):
1.2
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
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
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
The main source of ALAN is lighting in the parking lot of the nearby church.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photuris
Species:
forresti
Observation Notes:
Lynn and I may have observed between 10 and 20 adult Photuris forresti. Did not capture any individuals.
At the pond on the north side of the road, I observed several flash patterns consisting of three flashes.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:37
Last Flash Time:
22:31
First Flash Temp (F):
72.4
Last Flash Temp (F):
66
Flashes in Pattern:
>4
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
18
Flash Duration:
Not recorded, very brief
Flash Interval:
0.5
Male Height Zone:
Flash Location:
Some flash patterns were seen 2-3 feet above the grassy road shoulder while others were given 15 ft above the wetland.
Male Flash Behavior:
A flash pattern video captured with a smartphone camera consisted of 7 flashes emitted over 4 seconds, with a flash period of 0.5-0.7 seconds. The last 2-3 flashes were given while rising in space.
Other flash pattern recordings (voice): 7 flashes over 3.5 seconds; flash period of 0.3-0.6 seconds.
7 flashes over 4.1 seconds; flash period of 0.6-0.8 seconds.
Female Flash Behavior:
Not observed.
