Observation: Photinus obscurellus
Primary Observer:
Katie Hietala-Henschell
Event Date:
2026-06-22
Status:
Survey
Site Name:
Malan WPA - North Marsh
Province/State:
Michigan
Event Date:
2026-06-22
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:50
End Time:
23:32
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Katie Hietala-Henschell
Additional Observers:
NA
target_species_genus:
photinus
target_species_species:
aquilonius
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Open Freshwater Wetland - Wetland Bog, fen, freshwater marsh
Habitat Type Notes:
Cattail marsh with standing water, duckweed, and tall grasses.
Elevation (meters):
110
Area Searched (hectares):
0.25
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): No
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:
Nearby houses had bright exterior lights.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
50+
genus:
photinus
Species:
obscurellus
Observation Notes:
P. obscurellus was abundant during survey (>250). Size: 9.5 mm. Flashing was ongoing at end of survey.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:53
Last Flash Time:
23:32
First Flash Temp (F):
63
Last Flash Temp (F):
62
Flashes in Pattern:
3
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
6
Flash Duration:
1
Flash Interval:
5
Male Height Zone:
Flash Location:
Over marsh habitat flying through and above cattails and marsh grasses.
Male Flash Behavior:
Double and triple flashes lasting about 1 second were repeated every 4-6 seconds. Double flashes were common at the beginning of survey and triple flashes became more common later in the survey.
