Observation: Photuris
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2023-06-12
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Griffy Lake Nature Preserve- Wetland Trail
Province/State:
Indiana
Event Date:
2023-06-12
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:13
End Time:
22:30
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Additional Observers:
NA
target_species_genus:
photuris
target_species_species:
walldoxeyi
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
25-50
Habitat Type:
Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream
Habitat Type Notes:
The survey site habitat was the floodplain of Griffy Creek at the inlet to Griffy Lake, which is an impoundment. There was an overstory of sycamore and silver maple trees, with a midstory of willow (Salix sp.) and box-elder. The shrubs were dominated by multiflora rose. Other plant species included pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), cattail, and privet (Ligustrum).
Natural community classification included Wet-Mesic Floodplain Woodlands, Wet Floodplains Woodlands, and Emergent Wetlands.
Elevation (meters):
192
Area Searched (hectares):
1.89
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:
Artificial light at the site was limited to sky glow.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photuris
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
The female firefly photographed was not flashing, but flash patterns of other flashing Photuris were recorded. The firefly that was photographed was found flashing on the ground but was inactive and unresponsive when captured, perhaps because of the cold or a parasite/pathoen? The dark elytra lacking elytral vittae and the dark hind coxae might suggest Photuris tremulans or similar.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:42
Last Flash Time:
22:24
First Flash Temp (F):
56
Last Flash Temp (F):
54
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
5.5-8
Flash Duration:
<0.5
Flash Interval:
7
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Flashes started low in the shrubs and beside Griffy Creek and rose to the forest mid-story as darkness continued to fall.
Male Flash Behavior:
Flying fireflies gave a slow, single flash every 5.5 to 7.8 seconds at about 55 degrees F. Average period appeared to be about 7 seconds.
Female Flash Behavior:
A female was found glowing randomly on the trail, and various fireflies were observed giving single flashes from the low vegetation.
