Observation: Photuris congener
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2024-04-06
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
North Peninsula State Park- Smith Creek Landing
Province/State:
Florida
Event Date:
2024-04-06
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
19:55
End Time:
22:20
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Additional Observers:
Artie Ahr
target_species_genus:
micronaspis
target_species_species:
floridana
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Forested Wetland - Swamp, cedar bog, mangrove
Habitat Type Notes:
The primary habitat targeted in the survey was mangroves, but the route also passed through maritime hammock and coastal strand habitats. Mangrove areas had both red and black mangroves.
Elevation (meters):
1
Area Searched (hectares):
0.5
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): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
In addition to sky glow, there was some glare and light trespass from the outdoor lighting at the trailhead and from streetlights near the drawbridge and the county park.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
50+
genus:
photuris
Species:
congener
Observation Notes:
While the maritime hammock had the highest density of flashing adults, flashes were also seen in the coastal strand habitat and some adults even ventured out over the intertidal wetlands.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:08
Last Flash Time:
22:05
First Flash Temp (F):
63.1
Last Flash Temp (F):
61
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
0.7
Flash Duration:
0.1
Flash Interval:
0.6
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Flashes began in the understory of the maritime hammock, among saw palmetto foliage. Gradually, more flashes were seen at higher heights and above the coastal strand shrub layer.
Male Flash Behavior:
Flash trains of over 10 quick greenish flashes, with flash periods of 0.7 seconds.
Female Flash Behavior:
Not observed
