Observation: Photinus consimilis
Primary Observer:
Jory Fleming
Event Date:
2026-06-11
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Fontana Village
Province/State:
North Carolina
Event Date:
2026-06-11
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
19:45
End Time:
22:30
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Jory Fleming
Additional Observers:
NA
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
500-1000
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Montane forest, in both sites. Dominated by deciduous trees, with relatively open understory and some herbaceous ground cover. Both locations had small creeks nearby.
Elevation (meters):
600
Area Searched (hectares):
10
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: No
Buildings: Yes
Street Lights: No
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:
Site 1 had some light pollution from nearby buildings and occasional passing cars, while site 2 only had occassional passing cars. Both had relatively minimal ALAN, with no sky glow.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
2-10
genus:
photinus
Species:
consimilis
Observation Notes:
~12 mm. Observed its flash pattern at site 2, only directly nearby the mountain creek (staying within ~50 feet of the water) flashing amidst adjacent vegetation (trees and bushes). Note that first and last flash are based on survey timing, did not arrive at site 2 until after site 1 walk.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:45
Last Flash Time:
22:15
First Flash Temp (F):
82
Last Flash Temp (F):
81
Flashes in Pattern:
>4
Flash Color:
White
Flash Pattern Period:
50
Flash Duration:
0.1
Flash Interval:
0.05
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Directly proximate to the creek only.
Male Flash Behavior:
For this individual, only one flash sequence was recorded, where the male flashed 7 times in the span of 3 seconds while moving in random directions (mostly vertical, with some also including horizontal movement such that it moved at an angle). The color appeared white/yellow, and was fairly bright. This species was difficult to net due to its lengthy dark period (estimated), with each male appearing to move between flash sequences. The number of flashes varied, from as little as 3 flashes to a maximum observed of 7 flashes. (Assuming each was the same species).
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Photinus consimilis”
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Nice observation, Jory! The multi-pulse flash pattern, pointed pygidium, and dark coloration of the scutellum, pygidium and ventrites all suggest a member of the Photinus ardens group (which includes ardens, carolinus, consimilis and obscurellus). At a location in the mountains like this, it can be tricky to distinguish Photinus carolinus from Photinus consimilis. Based on the appearance of the pronotum (some dark markings on the sides and a non-flared central marking), I might lean toward Photinus carolinus.
The lack of synchronization may have been due to the low density (beginning of the flight period?).