Observation: Photuris
Primary Observer:
Anna Walker
Event Date:
2025-06-28
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Riverbend Ponds Natural Area
Province/State:
Colorado
Event Date:
2025-06-28
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:35
End Time:
22:08
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Anna Walker
Additional Observers:
John Walker
Target Species Genus:
Photuris
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:
The highest density of fireflies were in a cattail covered wetland. The habitat where the fireflies were observed at close range was a shrub scrub area between ponds and the wetland area. The site is adjacent to the Poudre River.
Elevation (meters):
1491
Area Searched (hectares):
2
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: No
Street Lights: Yes
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:
This site is on the edge of Fort Collins and in proximity to a busy road that connects Fort Collins to I-25. The traffic and streetlights make it difficult to see fireflies.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Photuris
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
The Photuris sp. at this site is likely an undescribed species. Specimens from this site have barcode sequences in the BOLD database. Most individuals were flying in a cattail covered marshy area. Fireflies were already flashing upon arrival to the site and were still flashing at the end of the survey.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:35
Last Flash Time:
22:08
First Flash Temp (F):
72
Last Flash Temp (F):
68
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
3
Flash Duration:
.5-.75
Flash Interval:
2.5
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Flashes are mostly in wetland area, though males are wondering quite far from ideal habitat. We observed them from a shrub/scrub area about 50m from the wetland with more suitable habitat.
Male Flash Behavior:
Males flash continuously, a single flash approximately every 2.5-3 seconds, as they fly along. They typically fly about 3 meters between flashes, and seem to rise slightly while emitting light. Flash duration is an approximation.
Female Flash Behavior:
Not observed.
