Observation: Photinus stellaris
Primary Observer:
Candace Fallon
Event Date:
2024-05-13
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
River Road Crossing #3
Province/State:
Texas
Event Date:
2024-05-13
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:25
End Time:
21:58
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Candace Fallon
Additional Observers:
Ben Pfeiffer
Target Species Genus:
Pyractomena
Target Species Species:
vexillaria
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream
Habitat Type Notes:
Riparian community along the limestone banks of the Guadalupe River. Dominant tree species are bald cypress (Taxodium distichum). Trees are directly adjacent to the river, with a small grassy meadow with some shrubs between the river and the road.
Elevation (meters):
213
Area Searched (hectares):
0.12
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Brightly lit electronic speed limit sign with orange numbers.
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Brightly lit electronic speed limit sign with orange numbers.
Artificial Light Types
Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): No
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:
Passing vehicle lights on River Road infiltrate the site. In addition, a single digital speed limit sign along the road casts an orange glow.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Photinus
Species:
stellaris
Observation Notes:
Two males captured for verification. Males seen flashing along road and in open meadow. Slight amber tint to flash color. Saw approximately a dozen. At least two and possibly three other firefly species were also observed at this site, although no photos were taken. Both Photinus pyralis and Photinus concisus were present. In addition, what looked to be Photinus dimissus could be seen flashing in the trees and vegetation on the hillside across the river. However, no individuals were accessible for a closer look. Ben Pfeiffer noted that he had not observed P. dimissus at this site before, but that the flash pattern and behavior suggested it it could potentially be this species (of which we saw more than 50 individuals).
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:47
Last Flash Time:
21:58
First Flash Temp (F):
78
Last Flash Temp (F):
73.8
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
White
Flash Pattern Period:
<1
Flash Duration:
0.5
Flash Interval:
<1
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Males were flashing from approximately 3 ft to 6-8 ft above the ground, flying over the small meadow and the road.
Male Flash Behavior:
Male flashes were approximately 0.5 seconds in duration with short <1 second intervals between flashes.
Female Flash Behavior:
No females observed.
