Observation: Photuris

Observation: Photuris

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

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

Artificial Light Notes:

Sky glow was the only detectable ALAN.

Observation

Observation Type:

With Flash Data

Number Observed:

11-50

genus:

photuris

Species:

unknown

Observation Notes:

These fireflies were described as "flash bulbs" and were flashing every ~2 seconds in the understory and mid-story of the forested portion of the boardwalk. Dark hind coxae, and slight elytral vittae. Individual photographed was a female.

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

23:02

Last Flash Time:

23:59

First Flash Temp (F):

67.4

Last Flash Temp (F):

63.5

Flashes in Pattern:

1

Flash Color:

Green

Flash Pattern Period:

1.7-2.2

Flash Duration:

0.5

Flash Interval:

1.5

Male Height Zone:

Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)

Flash Location:

In the understory and mid-story of the forested area along the wooden boardwalk.

Male Flash Behavior:

Bright, single flashes lasting about a half of a second, repeated about every 2 seconds at 66 deg F.

Female Flash Behavior:

Not observed.

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