Observation: Unknown
Primary Observer:
Jon
Event Date:
2023-07-17
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
Virginia
Event Date:
2023-07-17
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:37
End Time:
21:50
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Jon
Additional Observers:
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
Field surrounded by mixed woods, slope leads to a bottomland with a channel and bogland with sphagnum moss and Sweetbay Magnolia. Upper area contains cedar, pine, Ash, and hickory.
Elevation (meters):
105
Area Searched (hectares):
1.6
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
Artificial Light Types
Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
Two security lights in property, generally does not affect field
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
unknown
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
Many observations in field, sometimes several at once.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:31
Last Flash Time:
21:45
First Flash Temp (F):
Unk
Last Flash Temp (F):
Unk
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
White
Flash Pattern Period:
Unk
Flash Duration:
1
Flash Interval:
1
Male Height Zone:
Flash Location:
Grass level to around 10 feet + in the air. I am not educated enough to determine male, female or species.
Male Flash Behavior:
Female Flash Behavior:
2 thoughts on “Observation: Unknown”
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Professional visits may be allowed here for observation on a case by case basis.
Thanks for sharing this observation, Jon! It can definitely be overwhelming in the peak of the season when many fireflies of various types are flashing. By catching fireflies to temporarily examine and photograph them (with landowner permission), you could quickly narrow down the firefly type to genus, and looking at the lanterns/light organs reveal the sex of the individual. A clear plastic bag can be useful taking photos of the upperside and underside of fireflies.
Flash pattern measurements or estimations (flash pattern period, flash interval) can be tricky when abundance is high, but finding a flashing firefly close to you and using a stopwatch or counting One-Mississippi,-Two-Mississippi, etc. will often allow for a more precise ID.
If you’d like to attempt a full firefly survey, this video provides guidance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TvwFMoxVIE&t=3883s.