Observation: Photuris
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2026-07-22
Status:
Survey
Site Name:
Jarvis Creek Preserve
Province/State:
Connecticut
Event Date:
2026-07-22
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:21
End Time:
22:00
Number of Observers:
17
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Additional Observers:
Katie Hietala-Henschell, Julie Michaelson, Heidi Richard, Bill McDonald, and others
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
Open meadow bordered by mixed forest, predominantly deciduous trees. The site was previously a corn field before being restored to a meadow.
Elevation (meters):
7
Area Searched (hectares):
0.2
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
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): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
Glare from cars driving on adjacent road was marginal.
Observation
Observation Type:
Without Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photuris
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
Only female Photuris collected: 1) 9:15 pm - 12 mm, 2) 9:19 pm - 12.5 mm, 3) 9:23 pm - 13 mm, 4) 9:42 pm - 15.5 mm, 5) 9:58 pm - 12 mm, and 6) 10:46 pm - 12 mm.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
Last Flash Time:
First Flash Temp (F):
Last Flash Temp (F):
Flashes in Pattern:
Flash Color:
Flash Pattern Period:
Flash Duration:
Flash Interval:
Male Height Zone:
Flash Location:
Photuris was active over the open meadow and along the tree edge surrounding the field. Observed flying low above grasses, moderately high and along shrubs, and high in tree canopy.
Male Flash Behavior:
These could be female flashes but were observed in flight (only females collected).
1) 9:00 pm - quick single 0.25 second flash every 0.25 second, flying directly at moderate height.
2) 9:01 pm - quick single flash every 2 seconds.
3) 9:30 pm - quick 0.25 second flash every 0.5 second, high flying.
4) 9:41 pm - high flying double flash with 5-6 second dark interval. Observed 2 sets of paired flashes then transitioned to single flashes (not collected). 2 individuals.
5) 9:46 pm - high flying dash, very fast flight. Potentially P. lucicrescens, 1 individual seen but not collected. A very large female (15.5 mm was collected at 9:42 pm).
Female Flash Behavior:
A variety of quick single flashes, only females were collected.
