Observation: Photuris
Primary Observer:
Yuanwu Wang
Event Date:
2026-06-04
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Jewell Prairie
Province/State:
Iowa
Event Date:
2026-06-04
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:05
End Time:
23:31
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Yuanwu Wang
Additional Observers:
Yufei Meng
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
A 10-acre restored tallgrass prairie next to farm land and Upper Iowa River.
Elevation (meters):
268
Area Searched (hectares):
2
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
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:
There were some lights from a nearby warehouse (looks like a warehouse), and occasional vehicle lights from the road north to the site.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
50+
genus:
photuris
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
About 1.5 cm body length, near Upper Iowa River, fly to open areas but also like to perch on twigs and grass, sometimes (later in night) rise up to tree crown level.
Specimen Voucher Number:
1
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:18
Last Flash Time:
23:20
First Flash Temp (F):
67
Last Flash Temp (F):
72
Flashes in Pattern:
>4
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
3 - 4s, various when on twig or ground
Flash Duration:
about 0.1-0.3s
Flash Interval:
about 0.1-0.2s
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Near Upper Iowa River, in woody and prairie areas, fly to open areas but also like to perch on twigs and grass, sometimes (later in night) rise up to tree crown level.
Male Flash Behavior:
Fly to open areas but also like to perch on twigs and grass, sometimes (later in night) rise up to tree crown level. 3-10 flashes per flash pattern, flash color seem greenish but appears a little yellow when close by.
