Observation: Photinus floridanus

Observation: Photinus floridanus

Primary Observer:

Richard Joyce

Event Date:

2026-05-16

Status:

Unreviewed

Survey

Site Name:

Beidler Forest Sanctuary- low boardwalk

Province/State:

South Carolina

Event Date:

2026-05-16

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

20:04

End Time:

20:59

Number of Observers:

1

Primary Observer:

Richard Joyce

Additional Observers:

NA

target_species_genus:

photinus

target_species_species:

floridanus

Location and Habitat

Location Accuracy (meters):

50-100

Habitat Type:

Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story

Habitat Type Notes:

Oak and loblollypine, with dwarf palmetto, ericaceous shrubs, and sedges in the understory.

Elevation (meters):

17

Area Searched (hectares):

0.75

Artificial Light Sources

Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
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

Artificial Light Notes:

 

Observation

Observation Type:

With Flash Data

Number Observed:

11-50

genus:

photinus

Species:

floridanus

Observation Notes:

~ 6 mm long mGDD= 1326 (Summerville 4W station, 86/50 F, 1 March start date)

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

20:23

Last Flash Time:

20:38

First Flash Temp (F):

75

Last Flash Temp (F):

76

Flashes in Pattern:

1

Flash Color:

Yellow

Flash Pattern Period:

3.6

Flash Duration:

Not recorded

Flash Interval:

Not recorded

Male Height Zone:

Low (0-3 ft)

Flash Location:

Low in the upland forest understory.

Male Flash Behavior:

Quick yellow flashes at dusk, with flash pattern periods ranging from 3.1 seconds to 4.4 seconds at ~76 deg F (24.4 C).

Female Flash Behavior:

Not observed.

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