Observation: Photuris caerulucens
Primary Observer:
Katie Hietala-Henschell
Event Date:
2026-07-12
Status:
Survey
Site Name:
Turtle River WPA
Province/State:
North Dakota
Event Date:
2026-07-12
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:30
End Time:
23:45
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Katie Hietala-Henschell
Additional Observers:
NA
target_species_genus:
pyractomena
target_species_species:
sinuata
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Open Freshwater Wetland - Wetland Bog, fen, freshwater marsh
Habitat Type Notes:
Mosaic of marsh and grassland habitat. Marsh habitat consists of cattails and tall grasses with standing water present, however, water levels appear low. The higher grassland consisted of tall hip height grasses, including bromes and foxtails, sedges, and western snowberry.
Elevation (meters):
255
Area Searched (hectares):
0.86
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): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
Large cell phone tower. Regular low flying plane traffic (site close to airport).
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photuris
Species:
caerulucens
Observation Notes:
10:24 pm - 13 mm; 11:00 pm - 11 mm; 11:24 pm - 13 mm. Not abundant at site, probably fewer than 25. Fireflies still flashing at end of survey.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
22:09
Last Flash Time:
23:45
First Flash Temp (F):
67
Last Flash Temp (F):
63
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
5.25
Flash Duration:
1.25
Flash Interval:
4
Male Height Zone:
Flash Location:
More activity in field than over cattails. Flight was generally low over grasses and edge of cattail.
Male Flash Behavior:
Glow-like flashing lasting about 1.25 seconds and repeated every 4-5 seconds given during a slow flight sometimes in a bobbing or vertical path. Some gave glows that started bright (first 0.5 second) and faded to a duller glow (second 0.5 second). Some glows appeared trembling.
Female Flash Behavior:
Females perched low in grass, not much activity over cattails.
