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Observation: Photuris
Primary Observer:
Brandie Dunn
Event Date:
2025-08-02
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
BF
Province/State:
Illinois
Event Date:
2025-08-02
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:15
End Time:
22:00
Number of Observers:
4
Primary Observer:
Brandie Dunn
Additional Observers:
Tom Simpson, Michael Dunn, Ders Anderson
Target Species Genus:
unknown
Target Species Species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Open Freshwater Wetland - Wetland Bog, fen, freshwater marsh
Habitat Type Notes:
Jewelweed, Joe Pye weed, cattails, Bog/fen bordering oak woodland that increases in elevation as you enter woodland to north. We followed trail into woodland to the west towards opening to meadowy area, passing a seep along the way. The oaks and tall tree canopy block moonlight for the most part.
Elevation (meters):
820
Area Searched (hectares):
.16
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
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): 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:
16 mm. Saw 3 -4 individuals displaying close to ground, in jewelweed
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:13
Last Flash Time:
22:00
First Flash Temp (F):
64
Last Flash Temp (F):
64
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
1
Flash Duration:
.5
Flash Interval:
1
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft)
Flash Location:
Low to ground, in jewelweed.
Male Flash Behavior:
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Photuris”
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Thanks for this observation! Again, this is a female of an unidentified Photuris.
It can be frustrating to not be able to put a specific name to these creatures, but making observations like these still contribute a lot to our understanding of seasonality, habitat use, and diversity (over time you will likely notice that the Photuris that are active in different habitats and at different times of year have differences between them).
One note about measurements: when measuring fireflies, we usually measure from the front of the pronotum to the end of the elytra, the reason being that fireflies can tuck their heads or extend them, making measurements that include the head a bit unreliable.