Observation: Photuris frontalis
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2026-05-15
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
South Carolina
Event Date:
2026-05-15
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:15
End Time:
22:13
Number of Observers:
9
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Additional Observers:
Shannon, Kim, Leach C., Stephane G, Nora F., Todd J., Alison B., Erica C.
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
50-100
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Bottomland hardwood forest with large oaks and an open understory. The survey also went up to the edge of wetlands created by historic clay pits for brickmaking.
Elevation (meters):
39
Area Searched (hectares):
0.7
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): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
At the start of the survey, there was glare from outdoor lighting at the Cayce wastewater treatment plant across the road.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photuris
Species:
frontalis
Observation Notes:
Activity began picking up around 9 PM, when we were close to the trail t-intersection by the clay pits.
mGDD= 1266 (Columbia Metropolitan AP, 86/50 F, 1 March start date)
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:55
Last Flash Time:
21:50
First Flash Temp (F):
68
Last Flash Temp (F):
63
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
1
Flash Duration:
~0.1
Flash Interval:
0.9
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
In the forest understory, mostly below 2 meters in height.
Male Flash Behavior:
Quick, rhythmic flashes at intervals of about 1 second.
Female Flash Behavior:
Not observed.
