Observation: Phausis reticulata
Primary Observer:
Gini Bell
Event Date:
2026-07-02
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
North Carolina
Event Date:
2026-07-02
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:05
End Time:
21:53
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Gini Bell
Additional Observers:
NA
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:
Predominantly surveyed field that had recently been mowed for the season, bordered by old growth hardwoods- maple, oaks, black cherry, sassafras, white pine, buck eye, rhodedendron.
Elevation (meters):
3030
Area Searched (hectares):
1.571
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): No
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:
None
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
phausis
Species:
reticulata
Observation Notes:
Found in the same place observed last night, with a little more activity- at least a dozen. Small male fireflies- between 7-8mm. Found flying low over open woodland and on the edges of the lawn. Trees are a mix of black cherry, holly, maple and dogwood, with some leaf mulch and low lying shrubby growth in them.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:48
Last Flash Time:
21:53
First Flash Temp (F):
78
Last Flash Temp (F):
78
Flashes in Pattern:
>4
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
60+ seconds
Flash Duration:
45+ seconds
Flash Interval:
hard to say with the continuous flash
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft)
Flash Location:
Found flying low over open woodland and on the edges of the lawn. Trees are a mix of black cherry, holly, maple and dogwood, with some leaf mulch and low lying shrubby growth in them.
Male Flash Behavior:
Long mesmerizing flashes that seem to flicker without going out later in the flash. Flashes lasted at least 30 seconds, often longer, with some intermittent darkness between flashes.
Female Flash Behavior:
not observed- I tried walking in the area carefully and looking down at the ground, but was unable to see any females.
