Observation: Photuris stevensae
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2025-06-18
Status:
Unverified
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:
photuris
Species:
stevensae
Observation Notes:
Length of 15 mm. Dark hind coxae. Pale elytra.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:10
Last Flash Time:
22:29
First Flash Temp (F):
70
Last Flash Temp (F):
69.5
Flashes in Pattern:
4
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
Not recorded, but roughly 2-3
Flash Duration:
Brief, not recorded.
Flash Interval:
Not recorded
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Photuris were varied in location and height. Some were emitted over the field while others were along the trees bordering the field.
Male Flash Behavior:
The Photuris at this site were doing a mix of single and multi-pulse flash patterns. A series of single flashes had flash periods of 2.3-2.8 seconds at about 70 deg Fahrenheit.
Several flash patterns of quick 4 pulses were noted. The flash period for these pulses was very brief-- about 0.1 seconds based on voice recordings.
