Observation: Photinus macdermotti
Primary Observer:
Gini Bell
Event Date:
2026-06-10
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
The Ramble
Province/State:
North Carolina
Event Date:
2026-06-10
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:55
End Time:
21:20
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Gini Bell
Additional Observers:
Annabell Picker
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
25-50
Habitat Type:
Developed - Sub/urban areas; parks/gardens
Habitat Type Notes:
In The Ramble common area, an affluent and well groomed neighborhood with lots of landscaped areas alongside more natural wooded areas, primarily with pine.
Elevation (meters):
664.464 m
Area Searched (hectares):
.5491 hectares
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): 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:
In The Ramble common area, an affluent and well groomed neighborhood with lots of landscaped areas. Streetlights and headlights present.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photinus
Species:
macdermotti
Observation Notes:
Species is my best guess, may not be correct. Once again struggled to get good pictures (old phone). Smaller than the Photinus pyralis also present in the same area, measuring in at less than one centimeter. Found over short shrubby ground cover within 2-3 feet of the ground. Surveyed for just a short while, terminated after I caught a few, but flashes had not stopped at that point.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:05
Last Flash Time:
21:15
First Flash Temp (F):
76
Last Flash Temp (F):
75
Flashes in Pattern:
2
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
7
Flash Duration:
.4
Flash Interval:
2.5
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft)
Flash Location:
Found over short shrubby ground cover within 2-3 feet of the ground, surrounded by manicured grass, sidewalks, and pine forest. Surveyed for just a short while, terminated after I caught a few, but flashes had not stopped at that point.
Male Flash Behavior:
yellow, quick double flash pattern. Quite close to the ground over short shrubby ground cover.
Female Flash Behavior:
not observed
