Notice: Below is a list of 0 important links included on this page.
Please note that while screen readers have made significant strides, they may still lack full support for optimal web accessibility.
Observation: Photuris salina
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2022-07-04
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Bennett's Pier Road Salt Marsh, Kent County
Province/State:
Delaware
Event Date:
2022-07-04
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:36
End Time:
22:30
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Additional Observers:
NA
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 Spartina alterniflora, with small areas of Spartina patens. Higher areas also had Phragmites australis and Iva frutescens.
Elevation (meters):
1
Area Searched (hectares):
1.5
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Fireworks
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Fireworks
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:
Main ALAN was vehicle headlights and fireworks. There was also glare and skyglow from coastal development in Bowers to the northwest.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
50+
Genus:
Photuris
Species:
salina
Observation Notes:
Approximately 10 mm long (photographed on 5 mm square grid). Pale brown hind coxae.
Several specimens in collection of Kitt Heckscher at Delaware State University.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:07
Last Flash Time:
22:30
First Flash Temp (F):
70
Last Flash Temp (F):
70.2
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
2.5
Flash Duration:
0.2
Flash Interval:
2.3
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Males flashed low over the Spartina grass (2-4 feet above the ground). More flashes were observed on the southeast side of Bennett's Pier Road compared to the northwest side. Density seemed highest closer to the backs of the beach dunes, but still in the marsh.
Male Flash Behavior:
Despite the relatively long flash period (2-2.6 seconds), the overall appearance of the group was very twinkly, rhythmic and dynamic, with groups of fireflies approaching synchrony at times. Abundance was high (hundreds).
Female Flash Behavior:
Females were not observed.
