Observation: Pyractomena borealis

Observation: Pyractomena borealis

Primary Observer:

Mary Twitchel

Event Date:

2024-04-13

Status:

Verified

Survey

Site Name:

Heath Place

Province/State:

Tennessee

Event Date:

2024-04-13

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

19:57

End Time:

20:30

Number of Observers:

1

Primary Observer:

Mary Twitchel

Additional Observers:

NA

Target Species Genus:

unknown

Target Species Species:

unknown

Location and Habitat

Location Accuracy (meters):

50-100

Habitat Type:

Shrub/Scrub - Arid, shrubs present and abundant

Habitat Type Notes:

brush under large trees had new spring growth. Trees were bare to minimal new green growth.

Elevation (meters):

561

Area Searched (hectares):

50 square feet

Artificial Light Sources

Vehicles: No
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes

Artificial Light Types

Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No

Artificial Light Notes:

flood lights from nearby houses

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

Number Observed:

1

Genus:

Pyractomena

Species:

borealis

Observation Notes:

brush underneath large trees, fireflies began about 8 feet off the ground in brush and continued up into trees approximately 50 feet. 46 flashes per minute. This is very early for sightings in this area.

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

19:57

Last Flash Time:

20:30

First Flash Temp (F):

71

Last Flash Temp (F):

70

Flashes in Pattern:

>4

Flash Color:

Green

Flash Pattern Period:

46 flashes per minute

Flash Duration:

1

Flash Interval:

1

Male Height Zone:

High (over 8 ft)

Flash Location:

flashes coming from tails on brush and tree limbs

Male Flash Behavior:

 

Female Flash Behavior:

 

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This is a project of the Xerces Society, working in collaboration with the IUCN SSC Firefly Specialist Group and New Mexico BioPark Society.

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