Observation: Photuris
Primary Observer:
Yuanwu Wang
Event Date:
2026-06-03
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Little Paint Creek Camping Ground
Province/State:
Iowa
Event Date:
2026-06-03
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:13
End Time:
23:10
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Yuanwu Wang
Additional Observers:
Yufei Meng
target_species_genus:
photuris
target_species_species:
asacoa
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream
Habitat Type Notes:
Elevation (meters):
216
Area Searched (hectares):
2
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
camper's fire and torch
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
camper's fire and torch
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): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
Some campers have flash lights that could cause glare, most of campers keep their light source to themselves.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photuris
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
3 individuals were caught, took pictures, and released, all are ~1.5 cm long. First individual caught (pic1-4) was on a twig with series of multiple flashes (5 flashes/FP) and various flash pattern periods Second individual (pic 5-7) had similar flash pattern than the first one, but it was near ground and the flash intensity built up for each flash (5 flashes/FP). The third individual was caught when flying, had 8 flashes/FP and 3.5 to 4s flash pattern period.
There are also many of the uncaught individuals which emitted 3 to 11 flashes per time (or per flash pattern). Some will start with 4 flashes but switch to 5, 6, or more flashes in the next flash pattern.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:16
Last Flash Time:
23:08
First Flash Temp (F):
69
Last Flash Temp (F):
62
Flashes in Pattern:
>4
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
about 5-7s, various when on twig or ground
Flash Duration:
about 0.2-0.4s
Flash Interval:
about 0.1-0.2s
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
These flashes happened on twig, near ground, but also at moderate height above shrub, and even go up to tree branches, into tree crowns.
Male Flash Behavior:
Some males would just stay on twigs and some would fly around and gradually rise up while emitting 3-11 flashes each time (or per flash pattern). Flashes may build up on intensity but sometimes hard to tell. Based on the flash pattern, they are likely to be members of Photuris versicolor complex, maybe Photuris fairchildi? (according to the annoted checklist of Iowa firefly)
Female Flash Behavior:
Not observed
