Observation: Photinus knulli
Primary Observer:
Cheryl Mollohan
Event Date:
2023-08-03
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Buenos Aires NWF Arivaca Trail Parking Lot
Province/State:
Arizona
Event Date:
2023-08-03
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
19:56
End Time:
21:02
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Cheryl Mollohan
Additional Observers:
Al LeCount
target_species_genus:
photinus
target_species_species:
knulli
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Primarily mesquite with nearby cottonwoods along Wilbur Wash. Site is at trailhead and refuge info parking lot. Fireflies flashing on all 3 sides of parking lot.
Elevation (meters):
1085
Area Searched (hectares):
.45
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:
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photinus
Species:
knulli
Observation Notes:
Likely about 20 flashing...very desultory flashing. Fireflies would repeat flash cycle 5-10 times and then stop. Very intermittent in nature.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:23
Last Flash Time:
21:02
First Flash Temp (F):
84.0
Last Flash Temp (F):
83.7 (Still flashing at end of survey)
Flashes in Pattern:
3
Flash Color:
White
Flash Pattern Period:
3-4 seconds, repeated 5-8 times
Flash Duration:
< 1 second
Flash Interval:
< 1 second
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Some were flashing from vegetation both low (within 3 feet of ground) and high (tree tops). The flash was a triptych rapid flash then a 3-4 second break then the triptych rapid flash again.
Male Flash Behavior:
Assuming that males were flying. They would flash for several repetitions then stop.
Female Flash Behavior:
No females were evident
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Thank you for this submission, Cheryl!