Observation: Photinus

Observation: Photinus

Primary Observer:

Richard Joyce

Event Date:

2022-06-02

Status:

Unverified

Survey

Site Name:

Highlands Biological Station, Lindenwood Lake

Province/State:

North Carolina

Event Date:

2022-06-02

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

22:26

End Time:

23:59

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):

100-250

Habitat Type:

Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream

Habitat Type Notes:

Open herbaceous and shrubby wetland on shore of impounded lake (Lindenwood Lake, appears as Ravenel Lake on Google Maps). Plants included jewelweed (Impatiens sp.), smooth alder, (Alnus serrulata), and a mix of grasses, sedges and forbs. Also Sphagnum moss and pitcher plants (Sarracenia).

Elevation (meters):

1198

Area Searched (hectares):

0.5

Artificial Light Sources

Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: Yes

Artificial Light Types

Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No

Artificial Light Notes:

Some light trespass from station buildings.

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

Number Observed:

11-50

Genus:

Photinus

Species:

unknown

Observation Notes:

About 10 mm long (photographed on 5 mm square grid). Black scutellum, ventrites, and leg segments. Flying over marshy inlet of lake, emitting series of yellow flashes appearing to be flash trains of 3 at 3-second periods, some faster. Caught and photographed ~10:45 PM.

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

22:30

Last Flash Time:

23:00

First Flash Temp (F):

66

Last Flash Temp (F):

64.4

Flashes in Pattern:

3

Flash Color:

Yellow

Flash Pattern Period:

Not recorded

Flash Duration:

Not recorded

Flash Interval:

3

Male Height Zone:

Moderate (3-8 ft)

Flash Location:

Male flashes in upward and downward diagonal paths over the marshy vegetation.

Male Flash Behavior:

Only measured flash-pattern was three pulses with 3 second flash periods, but video shows faster flash patterns of 4+ yellow flashes.

Female Flash Behavior:

Not observed.

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