Observation: Photinus macdermotti
Primary Observer:
Gini Bell
Event Date:
2026-05-18
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Northwest District Park
Province/State:
North Carolina
Event Date:
2026-05-18
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:30
End Time:
21:30
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Gini Bell
Additional Observers:
Barbara Fisher
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
100-250
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
The areas we surveyed contained primarily woodland/forest, with some developed park area consisting of gravel driveway and a large pond, with a thin strip of mowed grass around it, surrounded by woodland with an oak-hickory-pine forest.
Elevation (meters):
540
Area Searched (hectares):
.026
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): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
Dark park with orange/yellowish streetlights illuminating drive. Lights came on as darkness fell, but several lights in the survey area were flickering off and on while we were there. Pond reflected streetlights.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photinus
Species:
macdermotti
Observation Notes:
12mm long, mostly in the woods around the pond flying less than 5 feet off the ground. Some got higher as the evening went on. Noticed first flashes just after dusk, then Mostly all had stopped flashing by about 9:15pm. Not sure about the species.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:40
Last Flash Time:
21:15
First Flash Temp (F):
81
Last Flash Temp (F):
78
Flashes in Pattern:
2
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
7?
Flash Duration:
.75
Flash Interval:
3
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
woods/forest around the pond
