Observation: Photuris
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2025-06-16
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
Dwelly Farm Conservation Area - Pollinator Field
Province/State:
Massachusetts
Event Date:
2025-06-16
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:43
End Time:
22:10
Number of Observers:
11
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Additional Observers:
Emily M., Anna W, Annie W., Henry W., Donald I., Jack M., Cassidy. W.G, Anne G., Ryan T.
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
25-50
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
A field with pollinator plantings that was formerly filled with dense field pine (Pinus strobus).
Plants include vetch (Vicia), Canadian lousewort (Pedicularis canadensis), Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea), tall blue indigo, non-native lupine, goldenrod and Monarda.
Elevation (meters):
305
Area Searched (hectares):
0.3
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
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): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
Occasional vehicles driving by on Barre Road cast light trespass into the surveyed habitat.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photuris
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
Photographed individual was about 15 mm long, with dark hind coxae. Possible species seem to include Photuris stevensae or Photuris fairchildi.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:10
Last Flash Time:
22:10
First Flash Temp (F):
67
Last Flash Temp (F):
65
Flashes in Pattern:
>4
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
Not recorded
Flash Duration:
brief
Flash Interval:
Not recorded
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Both over the field and around the branches of trees surrounding the field.
Male Flash Behavior:
A five-pulsed flash pattern while in flight.
Female Flash Behavior:
Female Photuris were caught flashing erratically from vegetation in the field.
