Observation: Photuris congener

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

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

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:

Flashing

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

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This is a project of the Xerces Society, working in collaboration with the IUCN SSC Firefly Specialist Group and New Mexico BioPark Society.

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