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Observation: Photuris falli
Primary Observer:
Rainey Miller
Event Date:
2025-07-05
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Pond at McDonald Observatory
Province/State:
Texas
Event Date:
2025-07-05
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:23
End Time:
22:39
Number of Observers:
8
Primary Observer:
Rainey Miller
Additional Observers:
Stephen Hummel, Jumi, Judson, Laura, Steven, Itzel, Josh
Target Species Genus:
Photuris
Target Species Species:
falli
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream
Habitat Type Notes:
Long, unmowed grass surrounding the pond, as well as pinyon, juniper, and oak trees. Nearby, there are large piles of dead trees, branches, rocks, and mulch that physical plant dropped off.
Elevation (meters):
1867
Area Searched (hectares):
0.3
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:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Photuris
Species:
falli
Observation Notes:
First firefly observed flashing at 9:41 pm. At 9:47, we saw a second flash, and then two fireflies began flashing at 9:52. The flashing was relatively continuous from that point on; we saw fireflies every minute or two. We ended the survey at 10:37 and saw one more flash at 10:39 as we were packing up.
I am a novice at this, but I think the fireflies were Photuris falli. Stephen Hummel caught one (in his hands!) and I took photos of it from several angles. I'd love to get an expert opinion on the species ID.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:41
Last Flash Time:
22:39
First Flash Temp (F):
74.7
Last Flash Temp (F):
72.5
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
0.5
Flash Duration:
0.5
Flash Interval:
1
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
In the bushes, trees, and open grassy area around the pond. I estimated the flash pattern, duration, and intervals because this was only my second survey. Now I know what to look for!
Male Flash Behavior:
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Photuris falli”
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Awesome observation of a cool species! It is great to have the details about habitat and the timing of when flashes started.