Observation: Photuris versicolor
Primary Observer:
Alyssa Goforth
Event Date:
2024-05-14
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
ABNC - Short Loop Bend
Province/State:
Texas
Event Date:
2024-05-14
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:15
End Time:
21:15
Number of Observers:
3
Primary Observer:
Alyssa Goforth
Additional Observers:
Nick, Leda
Target Species Genus:
Photuris
Target Species Species:
versicolor
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Riparian woodland with brush/shrubs. Trees include but not limited to oaks, pine, & hackberry. Tall tree canopy above 8 ft tall. No pond in survey area. Borders prairie and bayou.
Elevation (meters):
3
Area Searched (hectares):
.5
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): Yes
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:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Photuris
Species:
versicolor
Observation Notes:
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:55
Last Flash Time:
21:15
First Flash Temp (F):
82
Last Flash Temp (F):
80
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
2.5-3 sec
Flash Duration:
.5-1 sec
Flash Interval:
2-3 sec
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Flashes seen along the Ladybird Short Loop trail starting about halfway between the ELC trailhead and the bend. Flashes were seen on the remainder of the trail all the way to the prairie. The faster flicker-flashes of the non-versicolor Photuris (likely P. billbrowni) were seen all along this length. At times the flashes appeared to be pure single flashes with some appearing like flash-bulb flashes. At the trail bend, on the west side, the greenish slow glows of Photuris versicolor type were seen for the first time this season. At one point halfway to prairie from the bend, there was one orange-ish single flash high in the tree canopy, above 30 feet.
Male Flash Behavior:
Slow-glow, chinese lantern-like flashes. Often moving slowly, vertically upward. Seen from 3-4 ft to >20 ft. Greenish in color. Variable intensity during each glow.
Female Flash Behavior:
No females observed.
