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Observation: Photuris salina
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2025-07-15
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Cattus Island County Park
Province/State:
New Jersey
Event Date:
2025-07-15
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:37
End Time:
22:50
Number of Observers:
8
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Additional Observers:
Griffin Danllary, Grace Cocanower, Kathryn Krueger, Emily Mansfield, Caitlin Hales, Brian Gisinger, Nick Mazuri.
Target Species Genus:
Pyractomena
Target Species Species:
ecostata
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
500-1000
Habitat Type:
Tidal Marsh - Salt marsh or brackish marsh
Habitat Type Notes:
The primary survey habitat was salt marsh and adjacent Phragmites and groundsel, but upland forest with pitch pine, oaks, and black gum was also surveyed.
Elevation (meters):
0.5
Area Searched (hectares):
10
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
athletic field lighting
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
athletic field lighting
Artificial Light Types
Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
During the survey, a fireworks display was visible in the direction of Seaside Heights, and tall athletic field lighting from Shelter Cove Park created significant glare.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
2-10
Genus:
Photuris
Species:
salina
Observation Notes:
Only females were encountered. Captured females measured about 11 mm. Coloration varied between individuals, both in overall darkness and the shape of the pronotal vittae. Females flashed from the Spartina, the Phragmites at the upper edge of the marsh, and on the wing.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:40
Last Flash Time:
22:30
First Flash Temp (F):
81
Last Flash Temp (F):
81
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
2.4
Flash Duration:
Not recorded
Flash Interval:
2.2
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Along and within the Phragmites, low over the salt marsh.
Male Flash Behavior:
Not observed.
Female Flash Behavior:
Females were found both flashing from the Phragmites and Spartina and flashing on the wing. A series of flashes from one individual had a median flash pattern period of 2.4 seconds, ranging from 2 seconds to 4.4 seconds. The absence of males seemed to suggest that the adult season for Photuris salina would be ending soon.
