Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2023-06-15
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Sam Shine Preserve
Province/State:
Indiana
Event Date:
2023-06-15
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:10
End Time:
23:57
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):
100-250
Habitat Type:
Open Freshwater Wetland - Wetland Bog, fen, freshwater marsh
Habitat Type Notes:
The focal habitat of the survey was a slough/ditch in the middle of an overgrown agricultural field in the valley bottom near Beanblossom Creek. Plants in the slough included Persicaria, lizard's tail (Saururus cernuus), willow (Salix sp.), and buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis). In the forested portions of the slough there was slilver maple and sycamore.
The overgrown fields had a mix of grasses and forbs, as well as recently planted hardwood tree seedlings.
Elevation (meters):
170
Area Searched (hectares):
3.5
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:
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
The upward curving flash patterns are visible in the stacked composite image. Captured male was about 15 mm long.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:36
Last Flash Time:
22:15
First Flash Temp (F):
76
Last Flash Temp (F):
not recorded
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
9
Flash Duration:
1
Flash Interval:
8
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Over the herbaceous vegetation in the overgrown field.
Male Flash Behavior:
Rising yellow, curved flashes.
Female Flash Behavior:
Not observed.
