Observation: Photuris

Observation: Photuris

Primary Observer:

Brandie Dunn

Event Date:

2025-06-23

Status:

Unreviewed

Survey

Site Name:

 

Province/State:

Illinois

Event Date:

2025-06-23

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

20:40

End Time:

22:00

Number of Observers:

2

Primary Observer:

Brandie Dunn

Additional Observers:

Caity Benkoski

Target Species Genus:

unknown

Target Species Species:

unknown

Location and Habitat

Location Accuracy (meters):

0-25

Habitat Type:

Open Freshwater Wetland - Wetland Bog, fen, freshwater marsh

Habitat Type Notes:

Jewel weed, skunk cabbage, elderberry, joe pye weed, cat-tails

Elevation (meters):

830

Area Searched (hectares):

.084

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): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No

Artificial Light Notes:

 

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

Number Observed:

2-10

Genus:

Photuris

Species:

unknown

Observation Notes:

13mm Appeared brighter, and seemingly more intentional in movement/direction. They were more difficult to catch, but we finally landed this one. He had a vigorous, agitated, rapid fire flashing after netting at forest edge.

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

21:15

Last Flash Time:

22:00

First Flash Temp (F):

75

Last Flash Temp (F):

79.6

Flashes in Pattern:

1

Flash Color:

Yellow

Flash Pattern Period:

2

Flash Duration:

1

Flash Interval:

1

Male Height Zone:

Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)

Flash Location:

They were higher up, above our heads and out of reach, typically.

Male Flash Behavior:

Single, vibrant flash, every 1 - 2 seconds, while moving with intention, horizontally.

Female Flash Behavior:

 

Leave a Comment

Connect

Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates.

Follow

Follow the Xerces Society.

Share

Share this page.

Support

Support the Xerces Society's conservation work.

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

Copyright © 2025 The Xerces Society •1631 NE Broadway Street, #821 • Portland OR 97232 USA