Observation: Photuris forresti
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2024-06-03
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Kings Mountain State Park, Lake York
Province/State:
South Carolina
Event Date:
2024-06-03
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:27
End Time:
22:49
Number of Observers:
5
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Additional Observers:
David Eargle, Bart Joy, Davis Joy, Andrew Lazenby
target_species_genus:
photuris
target_species_species:
forresti
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
50-100
Habitat Type:
Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream
Habitat Type Notes:
This survey covered multiple habitat types, including riparian vegetation, mixed pine and hardwood forest, and open grassy wetland.
The area where Photuris forresti were observed was dominated by a grass (genus Leersia), with scattered willow trees.
Elevation (meters):
213
Area Searched (hectares):
0.9
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:
The only ALAN was sky glow from the greater Charlotte region.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photuris
Species:
forresti
Observation Notes:
11-12 mm long.
Observed in the wet, grassy area with scattered willows west of Clark Fork.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:45
Last Flash Time:
22:20
First Flash Temp (F):
74
Last Flash Temp (F):
70
Flashes in Pattern:
>4
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
Not recorded
Flash Duration:
Not recorded
Flash Interval:
Not recorded
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Flash patterns were mostly above the grass at about chest height (1-2 meters), but some were emitted higher up, around and above the willow trees.
Male Flash Behavior:
Series of 5 green flashes, emitted over the course of 3 seconds, with an undetermined flash pattern period. Flashes generally had a vertical trajectory, giving the appearance that the firefly bobbed up and down in flight. The last two pulses in the pattern were longer glows than the first three shorter flashes.
Female Flash Behavior:
Females found flashing erratically while perched in the grass.
