Observation: Bicellonycha wickershamorum
Primary Observer:
Cheryl Mollohan
Event Date:
2025-06-16
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
Arizona
Event Date:
2025-06-16
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
19:43
End Time:
21:25
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Cheryl Mollohan
Additional Observers:
Ron Day
target_species_genus:
bicellonycha
target_species_species:
wickershamorum
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Open Freshwater Wetland - Wetland Bog, fen, freshwater marsh
Habitat Type Notes:
This is a large spring with cottonwood trees, areas of wet soil with sedges and rushes.
Elevation (meters):
1410
Area Searched (hectares):
.5
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Artificial Light Types
Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
2-10
genus:
bicellonycha
Species:
wickershamorum
Observation Notes:
Fireflies were just beginning to flash for the year. There were a few males flying and flashing. We did not observe any females.
There were numerous larvae! They were clustered in groups in areas of moist or saturated soil - up to 5 larvae in a 1 meter square area. They glowed green for 2-4 seconds, then went dark for several seconds. This is the same green glow we saw at Mint Springs (see survey) but we were able to collect 3 larvae at this site.
Specimen Voucher Number:
SR-CM-2025-01 Adult male collected 16 June, SR-CM-2025-02 Larvae, SR-CM-2025-03 Larvae, SR-CM-2025-04 Larvae
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:02
Last Flash Time:
21:12
First Flash Temp (F):
81.2
Last Flash Temp (F):
75.8
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
1-2 seconds
Flash Duration:
<1 second
Flash Interval:
One flash about every 2 seconds
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Males were flying low over the vegetation and at about 4-6 feet. Larvae were on ground in areas of moist or saturated soil.
Male Flash Behavior:
Typical Bw flashing, one flash every 1-2 seconds.
Female Flash Behavior:
No females were noted
