Observation: Photuris
Primary Observer:
Katie Hietala-Henschell
Event Date:
2026-06-28
Status:
Survey
Site Name:
Pembina River Route 55 Bridge
Province/State:
North Dakota
Event Date:
2026-06-28
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:44
End Time:
00:13
Number of Observers:
3
Primary Observer:
Katie Hietala-Henschell
Additional Observers:
Shelby Bjornstad, Jared Farris
target_species_genus:
photuris
target_species_species:
tasunkowitcoi
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream
Habitat Type Notes:
Type locality for Photuris tasunkowitcoi. Willow and box elder were present along the banks of Pembina River creating shrubby conditions. Tall grasses and other herbaceous vegetation along roadside and upslope of riparian corridor.
Elevation (meters):
253
Area Searched (hectares):
1
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:
Moon created bright conditions when not blocked by clouds.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photuris
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
Photuris became active after complete dark and flashing slowed around 12:13 when the clouds cleared and moon became bright at the site. Flashing continued past end of survey. Potentially Photuris tasunkowitcoi.
10:27 - 13 mm
10:28 - 14 mm
10:45 - 14 mm
10:46 - 14 mm
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
22:10
Last Flash Time:
00:13
First Flash Temp (F):
73
Last Flash Temp (F):
75
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
5
Flash Duration:
1
Flash Interval:
4
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Flashing was observed along the Pembina River in the trees and shrubs and in the field above tall grasses adjacent to the river.
Male Flash Behavior:
Photuris giving the glow-like flash exhibited erratic flight. The direction often changed halfway through its flash. Glowing flashes appeared to be bobbing in tall grasses. Photuris giving a quick flash had a fast direct flight. Individuals:
10:27 - 0.5 second flash every 0.5 seconds, fast flyer (photos available)
10:28 - 0.5 second flash every 0.5 seconds, fast flyer (photos available)
10:30 - 1 second glow-like flash every 3-4 seconds (bobbing flight into grass)
10:45 - 1 second glow-like flash every 5 seconds (photos available)
10:46 - 1 second glow-like flash every 4 seconds (photos available)
11:00 - flickering green flash, started fast and then slowed down
11:11 - 1 second glow-like flash every 3 seconds (above grass)
