Observation: Photuris hebes
Primary Observer:
Lindy Fine
Event Date:
2026-07-09
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Bioretention Pond, Birch Run
Province/State:
Maryland
Event Date:
2026-07-09
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
23:05
End Time:
11:25
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Lindy Fine
Additional Observers:
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream
Habitat Type Notes:
Edge habitat, woodland margin behind bioretention pond, slope from upland residential development to lowland tract of riparian hardwood forest tracing drainage path to Cypress Creek. Adjacent to site of historic Cypress Creek Swamp and Savannah
Elevation (meters):
3
Area Searched (hectares):
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: No
Street Lights: Yes
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:
hebes
Observation Notes:
mGDD approx 1880
Body length ~10.5 mm
ID is my own and requires confirmation
Localized population limited to 50ft of edge habitat, bound by Birch Run Terrace and Rt 2. Observed in 2025 and 2026 at this site.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
23:05
Last Flash Time:
23:20
First Flash Temp (F):
75
Last Flash Temp (F):
75
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Unknown
Flash Pattern Period:
Continuous
Flash Duration:
0.5
Flash Interval:
1
Male Height Zone:
High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Amidst branches of trees, focused along edge/margin, most concentrated around drainage area
Male Flash Behavior:
Males flashed non- synchronously and more or less continuously in short, mildly to moderately luminous flashes. Flashes were issued steadily with about 1 second of dark period between them during which the individuals appeared to move 1-3 feet. Sometimes individuals appeared to pause after 10 or so flashes, of their own accord. The entire group paused with any disruption from my light or movement.
Population was localized and dense
Female Flash Behavior:
I wasn't able to record this definitively
