Observation: Bicellonycha wickershamorum
Primary Observer:
Cheryl Mollohan
Event Date:
2023-07-02
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
Arizona
Event Date:
2023-07-02
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
19:31
End Time:
21:10
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Cheryl Mollohan
Additional Observers:
Charlie Turner
target_species_genus:
bicellonycha
target_species_species:
wickershamorum wickershamorum
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Open Freshwater Wetland - Wetland Bog, fen, freshwater marsh
Habitat Type Notes:
Improved spring with small pool for native fish (3 m x 4 m). Otherwise a sedge community with some standing water and dryer hillocks. Surrounded by ash, cottonwood, and mesquite trees.
Elevation (meters):
1262
Area Searched (hectares):
.29
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): No
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:
This is a remote site. There is no light pollution at the site.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
50+
genus:
bicellonycha
Species:
wickershamorum
Observation Notes:
MSMN - 023- #1-10 (all males) collected and placed in a tent with a GoPro 360 camera to test for synchronicity per R. Sarfati's protocol and request. The fireflies were then collected and will be sent to Luiz Silveira for comparison to previous earlier collections of Bw at the Muleshoe Ranch for taxonomy and DNA. This cohort appears to be smaller in size (8.5-9 mm) in general have less orange or rose pink coloration on the elytra than previous Bw collections, and fly much faster. The flash pattern is a single flash repeated every .67-1second versus other Bw recorded flashes of a single flash every 2-7 seconds.
Specimen Voucher Number:
MSMN - 023 - 01-10- CM
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
19:42
Last Flash Time:
21:00
First Flash Temp (F):
87.1
Last Flash Temp (F):
82.5
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
1-2 seconds repeated continuously
Flash Duration:
less than one second
Flash Interval:
one flash every .67-1 second
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft)
Flash Location:
This cohort flashes very low, just above the vegetation. As time progresses a few fly higher and farther, but most remain near the sedge tops. Previous observations in June of 2022 at this location were more typical of Bw flight patterns, starting low near the vegetation but over time flying higher and farther. This cohort also flashes much faster that other Bw observations.
Male Flash Behavior:
Fast flashing and fast flying.
Female Flash Behavior:
I did not get a good female observation.
