Observation: Photuris salina
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2025-07-14
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area- Bridge to Nowhere
Province/State:
New Jersey
Event Date:
2025-07-14
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:26
End Time:
22:20
Number of Observers:
3
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Additional Observers:
Darlene Cavalier, Matthew Hencheck
Target Species Genus:
Pyractomena
Target Species Species:
ecostata
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Tidal Marsh - Salt marsh or brackish marsh
Habitat Type Notes:
Salt marsh, dominated by short form Spartina alterniflora. Higher elevation areas along Stafford Avenue had Phragmites and groundsel (Baccharis halmifolia).
Elevation (meters):
0.5
Area Searched (hectares):
3.1
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
Artificial Light Types
Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
Artificial light was visible in most directions, with some of the brightest lights coming from the Dorland Henderson Memorial Bridge.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
2-10
Genus:
Photuris
Species:
salina
Observation Notes:
About 11 mm long. Both males and females were captured while flying along the Phragmites-lined road at the upper edge of the marsh.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:06
Last Flash Time:
21:57
First Flash Temp (F):
81
Last Flash Temp (F):
80
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
1.3-2.2
Flash Duration:
not recorded, but quick
Flash Interval:
1.2-2.1
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Along the common reeds (Phragmites) and groundsel (Baccharis halmifolia) along the road.
Male Flash Behavior:
Quick flashes while flying in a horizontal trajectory.
Female Flash Behavior:
Both erratic flashing from the vegetation and quick flashes in flight.
