Observation: Photinus concisus
Primary Observer:
Candace Fallon
Event Date:
2024-05-14
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Cibolo Center for Conservation
Province/State:
Texas
Event Date:
2024-05-14
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:31
End Time:
21:48
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 area and surrounding woodlands. Dominant trees included bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), live oak (Quercus), silktassel (Garrya), and Ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei). Understory composed of various small trees, shrubs, forbs, and grasses, including inland wood oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) and gamma grass, both of which may be important plant associations for fireflies.
Elevation (meters):
421
Area Searched (hectares):
4.4
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:
No artificial light sources present within the survey area. Although the moon was nearly a quarter full, the dense canopy of the woodland kept much of the survey area quite dark.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photinus
Species:
concisus
Observation Notes:
Approximately 25 P. concisus observed flashing throughout the woodland and riparian zones, primarily along the Narrows Trail and Woodland Loop Trail.
Other species present but not tracked included Photinus pyralis (>50 individuals) and P. stellaris (2 individuals). Approximately 6 potential Photuris (versicolor?) fireflies were observed cruising over the creek, although none could be caught for verification. These had a single green flash in a streak pattern that lifted slightly at the end.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:49
Last Flash Time:
21:48
First Flash Temp (F):
76.8
Last Flash Temp (F):
72.9
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
2.5
Flash Duration:
0.5
Flash Interval:
2
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Flashes approximately 5-6 feet above ground, reaching up into the tree canopy.
Male Flash Behavior:
Male flash pattern consists of a single greenish flash that lasts about 0.5 seconds, emitted every 2-3 seconds of flight. Flash looks like a fish hook laid on its side (as compared with Photinus pyralis, with its up-and-down J shape).
Female Flash Behavior:
Not observed
