Observation: Microphotus
Primary Observer:
Chrissy Mott
Event Date:
2026-06-03
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
Griffith Spring
Province/State:
Arizona
Event Date:
2026-06-03
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:20
End Time:
20:30
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Chrissy Mott
Additional Observers:
Stacy Thornley
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
25-50
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Ponderosa pine forest -- primarily PIPO overstory, Ribes and various native grasses undestory, rocky area of day use campground with picnic tables
Elevation (meters):
2107
Area Searched (hectares):
0.1
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
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:
Campground with only traffic lights from highway 89A half mile away
Observation
Observation Type:
Without Flash Data
Number Observed:
1
genus:
microphotus
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
Approx 1 cm larvae, red, with glowing abdominal segments
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
Last Flash Time:
First Flash Temp (F):
Last Flash Temp (F):
Flashes in Pattern:
Flash Color:
Flash Pattern Period:
Flash Duration:
Flash Interval:
Male Height Zone:
Flash Location:
Male Flash Behavior:
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Microphotus”
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Thank you for submitting this observation, and nice job documenting an adult female glow-worm firefly! I will confirm with colleagues who have more expertise about Arizona fireflies, but this appears to be an adult female in the genus Microphotus. I believe there are several species that might occur in this part of AZ.
The pdf “A Guide to Fireflies of the Southwest” by Anna Walker is a great resource to learn more.