Observation: Photinus obscurellus

Observation: Photinus obscurellus

Primary Observer:

Paige Brownscombe

Event Date:

2025-06-29

Status:

Verified

Survey

Site Name:

Teapot Lake

Province/State:

British Columbia

Event Date:

2025-06-29

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

22:30

End Time:

23:30

Number of Observers:

2

Primary Observer:

Paige Brownscombe

Additional Observers:

Levi Brownscombe

Target Species Genus:

Photinus

Target Species Species:

obscurellus

Location and Habitat

Location Accuracy (meters):

25-50

Habitat Type:

Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream

Habitat Type Notes:

Forested Lakeshore area around Teapot Lake, mature Spruce/Balsam forest with small component of dead Pine in overstory. Understory continuous cover of huckleberry and oak fern along forested areas with dense cover of horsetail, black twin berry and willows along lakeshore edge.

Elevation (meters):

945

Area Searched (hectares):

0.5

Artificial Light Sources

Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Campfire glow

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): No

Artificial Light Notes:

Campfire at our camp may have cast some light on observed lakefront location, but most campfire light was blocked by stationary vehicle not emitting any light between campsite and lake

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

Number Observed:

2-10

Genus:

Photinus

Species:

obscurellus

Observation Notes:

Fireflies displaying 2-flash pattern. 2 slow flashes ~1 second long approx 2 seconds apart, variable intervals between flash pairings but generally ~10 seconds. Individuals flying along open lakeshore area 2-8 feet above ground. Variable flight patterns during/between flashes, sometimes linear, sometimes changing direction between flashes 1 and 2. Difficult to determine # of individuals or whether male or females observed.

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

22:30

Last Flash Time:

23:30

First Flash Temp (F):

59

Last Flash Temp (F):

53

Flashes in Pattern:

2

Flash Color:

Yellow

Flash Pattern Period:

4

Flash Duration:

1

Flash Interval:

2

Male Height Zone:

Moderate (3-8 ft)

Flash Location:

Along lakeshore at edge of forest, 2-8 feet above ground

Male Flash Behavior:

 

Female Flash Behavior:

 

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