Observation: Photuris

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

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:

Occasional vehicles driving by on Barre Road cast light trespass into the surveyed habitat.

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

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.

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