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Observation: Photinus pyralis
Primary Observer:
Anna Walker
Event Date:
2022-07-21
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
Mills Canyon
Province/State:
New Mexico
Event Date:
2022-07-21
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:00
End Time:
22:39
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Anna Walker
Additional Observers:
NA
Target Species Genus:
Photinus
Target Species Species:
pyralis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
25-50
Habitat Type:
Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream
Habitat Type Notes:
Fireflies display in dry areas adjacent to the river (dominant shrubs are locust trees (Robinia spp.)) as well as in the vegetation directly next to the river. Outside of riparian area, habitat is Juniper desert canyon.
Elevation (meters):
1558
Area Searched (hectares):
1
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Artificial Light Types
Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
This site is very remote, and we were the only people there, so there was no artificial light.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
50+
Genus:
Photinus
Species:
pyralis
Observation Notes:
Body length was 11mm.
Specimen Voucher Number:
NA
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:20
Last Flash Time:
22:39
First Flash Temp (F):
78.1
Last Flash Temp (F):
73.6
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
6-7
Flash Duration:
half a second
Flash Interval:
5-6
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Males start flashing in the dry weeds and shrubs about 20m from the river. Eventually, flashing is seen across the whole flood plain and out across the river. At first males flash just a few feet off the ground, and move about a meter between flashes. As the night goes on, they flash higher (as much as 10 feet off the ground), and some fly several meters between flashes.
Male Flash Behavior:
Most flashes are slightly J-shaped, though some appear more like horizontal streaks if the male is on the move.
Female Flash Behavior:
Female flash delay not observed.
