Observation: Photuris walldoxeyi
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2023-06-13
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
Indiana
Event Date:
2023-06-13
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:26
End Time:
00:15
Number of Observers:
4
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Additional Observers:
Chris Fox, Sergio Henriques, Max Henschen
target_species_genus:
photuris
target_species_species:
walldoxeyi
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Open Freshwater Wetland - Wetland Bog, fen, freshwater marsh
Habitat Type Notes:
The area where we spent the most time had a sparse canopy of red maple (Acer rubrum), with swamp cottonwood (Populus heterophylla) also represented. The shrub layer had a lot of buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalus), and the herb layer had lizard's tail (Saururus cernuus), arrowhead (Sagittaria), and sedges. Beaver activity was apparent in multiple places.
Indiana DNR describes the natural communities of Beanblossom Bottoms Preserve as mesic floodplain forest with wet meadows and successional fields.
Elevation (meters):
173
Area Searched (hectares):
4.02
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:
Sky glow was the only detectable ALAN.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
50+
genus:
photuris
Species:
walldoxeyi
Observation Notes:
The captured Photuris walldoxeyi were about 11 mm long, with dark elytra, no elytral vittae and dark hind coxae.
Most were found in the shrubby, open wetland area, but some P. walldoxeyi flash patterns (3 blinks followed by a falling glow) were observed along the gravel entrance lane and in the wooded area along the wooden section of the boardwalk.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:31
Last Flash Time:
00:11
First Flash Temp (F):
67.6
Last Flash Temp (F):
65
Flashes in Pattern:
>4
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
10.3
Flash Duration:
0.3
Flash Interval:
0.3
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
The display began from the tips of the lizard's tail (Saururus cernuus) foliage at dusk, and then most males proceeded to display at low to moderate heights (knee-height to head height). A few were observed above the tops of willows and other shrubs, but not many.
Male Flash Behavior:
At 66 degrees F, flying males emitted a train of 3-4 pulses (each about 0.3 seconds long), followed by a longer glow (0.8 seconds), that was often emitted while dropping in height.
Female Flash Behavior:
Photuris females giving single flashes were observed and captured, but were not clearly associated with male Photuris walldoxeyi.
