Observation: Photuris frontalis
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2026-05-16
Status:
Verified
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
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
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:
photuris
Species:
frontalis
Observation Notes:
Collected two specimens.
mGDD= 1326 (Summerville 4W station, 86/50 F, 1 March start date)
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:35
Last Flash Time:
21:04
First Flash Temp (F):
79
Last Flash Temp (F):
76
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
0.6
Flash Duration:
~0.1
Flash Interval:
0.5
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Mostly below waist level in the upland forest understory.
Male Flash Behavior:
Long flash trains of quick, rhythmic yellow flashes at flash pattern periods of 0.6-0.8 seconds at ~76 deg F.
Female Flash Behavior:
Not observed.
