Observation: Photuris

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

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:

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”

  1. 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.

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