Observation: Photuris frontalis
Primary Observer:
Amber Elder
Event Date:
2026-04-27
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
Louisiana
Event Date:
2026-04-27
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
19:50
End Time:
20:30
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Amber Elder
Additional Observers:
N/A
target_species_genus:
photuris
target_species_species:
frontalis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Pine, oak, blackberry.
Elevation (meters):
20.4
Area Searched (hectares):
.89
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: Yes
Street Lights: No
Buildings: Yes
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
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
Lights from inside home several yards away.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photuris
Species:
frontalis
Observation Notes:
She was flying 3-4" above leaf litter flashing with the pattern like the males, very faintly. Second one I've caught flying.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:04
Last Flash Time:
20:11
First Flash Temp (F):
75º
Last Flash Temp (F):
75º
Flashes in Pattern:
>4
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
Snap-snap-snap pattern.
Flash Duration:
Not noted. Brief.
Flash Interval:
Not noted. Brief.
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft)
Flash Location:
Near driveway/underbrush/wooded area.
Male Flash Behavior:
Snap-snap-snap.
Female Flash Behavior:
I've seen now nine females over the course of 4 years. This one was flashing very similarly to the males. Snap-snap-snap.
