Observation: Photinus

Observation: Photinus

Primary Observer:

Brandie Dunn

Event Date:

2025-07-09

Status:

Unverified

Survey

Site Name:

East End BBI

Province/State:

Michigan

Event Date:

2025-07-09

Time of Day:

Day-Time

Start Time:

09:30

End Time:

09:50

Number of Observers:

1

Primary Observer:

Brandie Dunn

Additional Observers:

 

Target Species Genus:

unknown

Target Species Species:

unknown

Location and Habitat

Location Accuracy (meters):

0-25

Habitat Type:

Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant

Habitat Type Notes:

Meadow under power lines, along forested/woodland edge. Cedar/striped maple/pines. Common milkweed, Hound's-tongue, grasses, self-heal, wild parsnip present.

Elevation (meters):

600

Area Searched (hectares):

.06

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:

Non-Flashing

Number Observed:

1

Genus:

Photinus

Species:

unknown

Observation Notes:

10 mm. Found on Common Milkweed during day.

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

 

Last Flash Time:

 

First Flash Temp (F):

 

Last Flash Temp (F):

 

Flashes in Pattern:

 

Flash Color:

 

Flash Pattern Period:

 

Flash Duration:

 

Flash Interval:

 

Male Height Zone:

Flash Location:

 

Male Flash Behavior:

 

Female Flash Behavior:

 

1 thought on “Observation: Photinus”

  1. Nice observation of a female Photinus! Based on the region, dark scutellum, dark pygidium, and 10 mm length– there are 4 possibilities: P. ardens, P. consanguineus, P. consimilis, and P. obscurellus.

    Based on the meadow habitat and the non-flared shape of the marking on the pronotum, P. consimilis does not seem right. So I would lean toward P. consanguineus (or something in that species group), but I am going to leave this at the genus level.

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