Observation: Photuris walldoxeyi
Primary Observer:
Katie Hietala-Henschell
Event Date:
2026-06-09
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Beanblossom Bottoms
Province/State:
Indiana
Event Date:
2026-06-09
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
22:45
End Time:
01:30
Number of Observers:
4
Primary Observer:
Katie Hietala-Henschell
Additional Observers:
Chris Fox, Ben Sebastian, Radim Schreiber
target_species_genus:
photuris
target_species_species:
walldoxeyi
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Forested Wetland - Swamp, cedar bog, mangrove
Habitat Type Notes:
Forested swamp with red maple, cottonwood, ash, and many dead trees. Other species in the surrounding forest include pin oak and sycamore. Beaver have moved into the area and the site has higher water levels and areas are flooded longer. Changes in hydrology are causing tree mortality and changing the habitat. In the wetland, cattails, iris, buttonbush, and lizard's tail were common.
Elevation (meters):
174
Area Searched (hectares):
1
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
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:
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
50+
genus:
photuris
Species:
walldoxeyi
Observation Notes:
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
22:45
Last Flash Time:
01:30
First Flash Temp (F):
78
Last Flash Temp (F):
75
Flashes in Pattern:
>4
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
7.5
Flash Duration:
2.5
Flash Interval:
5
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Males flying above cattails in open shrubby area of wetland and also in tree canopy in the denser forested swamp habitat.
Male Flash Behavior:
Distinct erratic flight. Between 4-8 short flashes lasting between 1.25-1.5 seconds followed by a 0.75-1 second dark interval (total flash time: approximately 2.5 seconds). The dark interval varied between 5-10 seconds, with 5 second dark period between flashes more common.
