Observation: Photuris tremulans

Observation: Photuris tremulans

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

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

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:

tremulans

Observation Notes:

10:19 pm - 12.5 mm; 10:26 pm - 12.5 mm. Still flashing at end of survey. Not abundant at site, fewer than 25 individuals.

Specimen Voucher Number:

 

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

22:24

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:

2.25

Flash Duration:

0.25

Flash Interval:

2

Male Height Zone:

Flash Location:

Flying low over field habitat and shorter grasses.

Male Flash Behavior:

Quick 0.25 second flash repeated every 2 seconds while flying low and slow in a relatively linear flight path.

Female Flash Behavior:

 

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