Observation: Photuris forresti
Primary Observer:
Chris DeJaegher
Event Date:
2026-05-16
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
Georgia
Event Date:
2026-05-16
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:30
End Time:
21:30
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Chris DeJaegher
Additional Observers:
Erica DeJaegher Nichols
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:
Due to development, the area has become too wet at times and we are slowly losing a lot of the hardwoods (one of the creeks is in a gulch that's at least 6' deep and water has risen to overflow the banks and wash over many acres (88 acre site). (This land was donated to the Georgia Wildlife Federation by the developers of the mall in 2003).
Lots of chinese privet, which gets pulled regularly, acres of siltgrass, lots of arrowhead and other typical wetland plants, typical piedmont understory.
Elevation (meters):
308
Area Searched (hectares):
.5
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
Street Lights: Yes
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:
This WMA is down in a hole, across the road from The Mall of Georgia so there is plenty of sky glow.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photuris
Species:
forresti
Observation Notes:
None netted by my team but Reagan Montalvo with Georgia DNR took a specimen sample with permission from the Ga Wildlife Federation, so the ID is firm. My team found them on the way out at the edges and above a smaller pond.
We did not survey them as we went to find Reagan and bring her there to validate the flash pattern. We did not take photos either, but plan to return soon.
Reagan will have information for the Loopys on her entry here for the date 5-16-26
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:35
Last Flash Time:
21:38
First Flash Temp (F):
73
Last Flash Temp (F):
73
Flashes in Pattern:
>4
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
7 seconds
Flash Duration:
4 seconds
Flash Interval:
1 sec
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
scrub at the edges and inside a small pond (runoff pond from the larger pond)
Male Flash Behavior:
Flashed groupings of approx 2 cubic vertical feet at most, avg probably 12-18" high as a loop. Males seemed to stay in the same general area for a few patterns then would move over a little and start again
Female Flash Behavior:
not observed, generally
I think there was one female in a shrub doing single flashes, approx 2 at a time, with maybe 30 seconds between.
Not sure it was a female loopy as there were tree toppers right behind that shrub.
