Observation: Photinus acuminatus
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2024-06-05
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Table Rock State Park-- Lake Oolenoy
Province/State:
South Carolina
Event Date:
2024-06-05
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:37
End Time:
22:55
Number of Observers:
8
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Additional Observers:
David Eargle, Mike Ferro, Sharon Bewick, Niko Artley, Betsy Lewis, Steve Lewis, Paisley Azra-Lewis
target_species_genus:
photuris
target_species_species:
forresti
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
25-50
Habitat Type:
Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream
Habitat Type Notes:
The lakeshore of Lake Oolenoy was the survey's focal habitat. Mix of trees (tulip poplars), shrubs (alder), and herbaceous vegetation.
Elevation (meters):
330
Area Searched (hectares):
1
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
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:
Light posts and security lighting from the Visitor Center created glare and light trespass in firefly habitats.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
2-10
genus:
photinus
Species:
acuminatus
Observation Notes:
Total length ~7 mm. Two specimens in Clemson collection.
Dark, rounded pygidium. Ventral segments 5 and 8 are pale. Yellow lateral elytral margins are wide.
Specimen Voucher Number:
XS-TRSP-PHOACU-2024-01, XS-TRSP-PHOACU-2024-02
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:06
Last Flash Time:
21:20
First Flash Temp (F):
75
Last Flash Temp (F):
74
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
3.7
Flash Duration:
quick
Flash Interval:
Not recorded
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Males were flashing at about knee to chest height in the shrubby vegetation between the lake shore and the visitor center, especially around the taller shrubs and saplings.
Male Flash Behavior:
Quick yellow flashes at variable intervals. Measured flash periods ranged from 2.3-5 seconds, with a 3.7 second average.
Female Flash Behavior:
Not observed.
