Observation: Photinus consimilis
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2022-05-30
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Sandy Creek Nature Center, Claypit Pond
Province/State:
Georgia
Event Date:
2022-05-30
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:50
End Time:
23:18
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Additional Observers:
NA
target_species_genus:
photuris
target_species_species:
forresti
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
50-100
Habitat Type:
Open Freshwater Wetland - Wetland Bog, fen, freshwater marsh
Habitat Type Notes:
Wetland along Sandy Creek at inlet to the Claypit Pond. Mix of marsh and floodplain with herbaceous ground layer (sedges, grasses), bare mud, and some canopy trees (red maple). In the pond there was yellow pond lily plants (Nuphar).
Elevation (meters):
188
Area Searched (hectares):
0.75
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): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
Minimal artificial light, though some sky glow and glare from vehicle headlights. Trees screened the vehicle headlights pretty well.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
1
genus:
photinus
Species:
consimilis
Observation Notes:
Caught this Photinus over the muddy, marshy floodplain thinking that it was a Photuris forresti, as it was emitting a rapid flash-train while flying upward at about chest height (4-5 feet).
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
22:35
Last Flash Time:
22:35
First Flash Temp (F):
67
Last Flash Temp (F):
67
Flashes in Pattern:
4
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
Not observed
Flash Duration:
Unable to measure
Flash Interval:
Less than a second.
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Flying upward at about chest height (4-5 ft) over the semi-shaded, muddy floodplain west of Sandy Creek.
Male Flash Behavior:
I did not record precise details for this rapidly flashing firefly, as I caught it thinking it was a Photuris forresti, but it emitted a fast pulse of multiple (at least three) flashes while flying upward.
Female Flash Behavior:
Not observed.
