Observation: Photinus dimissus
Primary Observer:
Allen Knutson
Event Date:
2024-07-18
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Clymer Meadow Preserve TNC
Province/State:
Texas
Event Date:
2024-07-18
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
14:23
End Time:
14:24
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Allen Knutson
Additional Observers:
none
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
250-500
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
Large open field, almost all Johnsongrass 3-4 ft tall. Adjacent to tree line along deep, dry gully. Hackberry trees and others.
Elevation (meters):
198 feet
Area Searched (hectares):
0.5 hectares
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:
none
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photinus
Species:
dimissus
Observation Notes:
First observed flying 1-2 ft above ground in wooded area and later flying in above open grassy areas. Slow, horizontal flight with rapid twinkling flash repeated in a long train of constant flashing, two flashes per second. Adult 5-6 mm in length. Identification based upon information at firefly.org.
Specimen Voucher Number:
AEK1, AEK2
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:05
Last Flash Time:
21:50
First Flash Temp (F):
89
Last Flash Temp (F):
88
Flashes in Pattern:
>4
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
.
Flash Duration:
.
Flash Interval:
.
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Males first flying 1-2 ft above ground and then later 3-4 ft above open grasslands.
Male Flash Behavior:
Do not have flash details but the twinkling, two-flash /sec train of flashes and physical characteristics provide confidence in identification.
Female Flash Behavior:
.
1 thought on “Observation: Photinus dimissus”
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A belated thank you for submitting this observation! I agree that this is Photinus dimissus, based on the small size, tapering elytra, pale scutellum and quick, twinkling flashes.