Observation: Bicellonycha wickershamorum

Observation: Bicellonycha wickershamorum

Primary Observer:

Cheryl Mollohan

Event Date:

2025-06-16

Status:

Verified

Survey

Site Name:

Spring - San Rafael Valley

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

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

Artificial Light Notes:

 

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

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

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

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