Observation: Photinus jamesi
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2025-06-18
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Dwelly Farm Conservation Area - Pollinator Field
Province/State:
Massachusetts
Event Date:
2025-06-18
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:30
End Time:
22:29
Number of Observers:
12
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Additional Observers:
Emily M., Erin K., Kurt F., Jen M., Lauren M., Jeff M., Kayla K., 3 additional participants
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:
Pollinator field established from an old pasture that had grown up in thick, open-grown white pine. Plants included large-leaved lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus), red oak (Quercus rubra) and birch (Betula) seedlings, bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), and Canadian lousewort (Pedicularis canadensis).
Elevation (meters):
305
Area Searched (hectares):
0.5
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): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
Passing vehicles on Barre Road caused light trespass and glare within the survey area.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photinus
Species:
jamesi
Observation Notes:
Body length of 9 mm.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:54
Last Flash Time:
21:40
First Flash Temp (F):
71
Last Flash Temp (F):
70
Flashes in Pattern:
2
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
7
Flash Duration:
not recorded
Flash Interval:
1.6
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Among and just above herbaceous vegetation in the field. They seemed more abundant around the taller vegetation in the field (knee-high) or taller.
Male Flash Behavior:
Pairs of quick yellow flashes. Inter-flash gaps (flash intervals) ranged 1.6 to 1.8 seconds, with a mode of 1.6 seconds. Flash pattern period ranged from 6.45 seconds to 7.3 seconds.
Female Flash Behavior:
A female was found flashing very dimly from the ground.
