Observation: Photuris
Primary Observer:
Pam Morgan
Event Date:
2025-05-23
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Bentonville near SW Elm Tree Rd
Province/State:
Arkansas
Event Date:
2025-05-23
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:12
End Time:
22:05
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Pam Morgan
Additional Observers:
Clint Morgan
Target Species Genus:
Photuris
Target Species Species:
missouriensis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
25-50
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
Horse pasture / field. Grass dominant, with some wildflowers. Field is bordered by trees, then houses. Trees are sassafras, black cherry, elm, hackberry, red cedar and some invasives including Bradford pear. The tree border has an overgrown shrubby/vine layer, including grapevines, multiflora rose, green briar, and blackberries.
Elevation (meters):
352
Area Searched (hectares):
1
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
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): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
The field is bordered by houses, some of which have their porch lights on. When a car enters the street (not very often), its headlights shine into the field. There is a streetlight about 50 meters from the field and its light shines into part of the field.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Photuris
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
I caught 3 individuals. The one pictured is 13 mm, the others were 14 mm and 15 mm. Other than size, all 3 looked identical, except the 14 mm one had slightly lighter colored hind coxae, although I would still describe the color as dark.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:12
Last Flash Time:
22:05
First Flash Temp (F):
77
Last Flash Temp (F):
76
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
4 to 5
Flash Duration:
1
Flash Interval:
3 to 4
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Over grass in field. Most were about 5 to 7 feet above the ground. Some were higher, probably up to 20 feet.
Male Flash Behavior:
A single long flash, about 0.8 to 1 second long, as the male was flying, usually in a straight horizontal line. Flash repeated after 3 to 4 seconds. Sometimes it was difficult to see the next flash because, while dark, the male didn't necessarily continue flying in the same direction.
Female Flash Behavior:
Occasional flashes from the grass.
