Observation: Photuris forresti
Primary Observer:
Michelle Wilcox
Event Date:
2024-06-24
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
South Carolina
Event Date:
2024-06-24
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
22:00
End Time:
23:59
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Michelle Wilcox
Additional Observers:
NA
target_species_genus:
photuris
target_species_species:
forresti
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Open Freshwater Wetland - Wetland Bog, fen, freshwater marsh
Habitat Type Notes:
Colonel's Creek is a freshwater stream. It has been impounded by a beaver dam at this location and is now a beaver pond. Loblolly pines and oaks dominate the canopy.
Elevation (meters):
72
Area Searched (hectares):
.1
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:
Remote area, no buildings or roads nearby.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
2-10
genus:
photuris
Species:
forresti
Observation Notes:
We were sitting on the old road bed that used to cross the beaver pond, the pond was to the north and the fireflies were in the woods just south of the road ~20 meters away from the open water. The flashing pattern seemed like 5-7 quick flashes in an oval pattern, going down and then back up. It was interspersed quick flashes and glows. It seemed like there was a ~10 second pause and then I saw another oval flash pattern about 10 feet horizontally away. The flashing seemed to take place about 10 feet up from the ground, but I was sitting down and my estimation of height above ground is only a guess. All the 'Flash Pattern' details are guesstimates.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
22:08
Last Flash Time:
23:59
First Flash Temp (F):
90
Last Flash Temp (F):
88
Flashes in Pattern:
>4
Flash Color:
Unknown
Flash Pattern Period:
2
Flash Duration:
2
Flash Interval:
10
Male Height Zone:
High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
In the woods on the edge of a dirt road ~20 meters away from the open water.
