Observation: Photinus acuminatus

Observation: Photinus acuminatus

Primary Observer:

Richard Joyce

Event Date:

2022-06-07

Status:

Verified

Survey

Site Name:

Ashmore Heritage Preserve, Wattacoo Lake

Province/State:

South Carolina

Event Date:

2022-06-07

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

20:40

End Time:

21:40

Number of Observers:

2

Primary Observer:

Richard Joyce

Additional Observers:

Kevin Conley

Target Species Genus:

Photuris

Target Species Species:

forresti

Location and Habitat

Location Accuracy (meters):

0-25

Habitat Type:

Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream

Habitat Type Notes:

Shrubby, boggy wetland at inlet of impounded pond. Plant species included sweet gum, smooth alder (Alnus serrulata), red maple (Acer rubrum), and pitcher plants.

Elevation (meters):

421.5

Area Searched (hectares):

0.08

Artificial Light Sources

Vehicles: 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

Artificial Light Notes:

Very minimal sky glow to the south.

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

Number Observed:

50+

Genus:

Photinus

Species:

acuminatus

Observation Notes:

Collected male that was approximately 8 mm long. Specimen dissected by Luiz Silveira at Western Carolina University and confirmed as Photinus acuminatus.

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

20:50

Last Flash Time:

21:25

First Flash Temp (F):

74

Last Flash Temp (F):

74

Flashes in Pattern:

2

Flash Color:

Yellow

Flash Pattern Period:

Did not measure

Flash Duration:

Did not measure

Flash Interval:

About 2

Male Height Zone:

Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)

Flash Location:

Just above the shrub tops and among the scattered woody shrubs in the boggy wetland at the inlet to Wattaco Lake.

Male Flash Behavior:

As a group, very "twinkly" appearance. Flashes small and quick, but bright.

Female Flash Behavior:

Not observed.

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