Observation: Photuris
Primary Observer:
Allen Knutson
Event Date:
2024-06-12
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
Clymer Meadow Preserve TNC
Province/State:
Texas
Event Date:
2024-06-12
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:30
End Time:
21:50
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:
open grassland dominated by Johnsongrass 3-4 ft tall. Dense woods, hackberry common, Deep, dry gully follows wooded area along survey area.
Elevation (meters):
198
Area Searched (hectares):
1 hectare
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:
photuris
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
Large, 14 mm, humpbacked with long legs. Flashed angrily when captured. Red spot in center of pronotum with black spot for and aft of red spot, much like far right photo in group of three photos in center of page 182 in Faust. Wide but short stripe on elytra. Based on these characters, conclude this is P. versicolor complex.
Specimen Voucher Number:
AEK7
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:05
Last Flash Time:
21:50
First Flash Temp (F):
89
Last Flash Temp (F):
89
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
White
Flash Pattern Period:
.
Flash Duration:
.
Flash Interval:
.
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Above grassy field, 4-7 ft above ground.
Male Flash Behavior:
Since the females are predatory, not sure if observed males or females flying. Flight very rapid and high, 6 feet or more. Flashes suddenly appearing an then going dark. Did not have voice memo on phone at that time.
Female Flash Behavior:
.
1 thought on “Observation: Photuris”
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I have changed the ID to “Photuris unknown,” as the Firefly Atlas uses Photuris versicolor in sensu (as described by Barber and Lloyd) rather than the more encompassing “Photuris versicolor complex,” which would include most of the other Photuris species.