Observation: Photuris
Primary Observer:
Mary Dobberstine
Event Date:
2026-09-15
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Province/State:
Texas
Event Date:
2026-09-15
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:03
End Time:
21:15
Number of Observers:
4
Primary Observer:
Mary Dobberstine
Additional Observers:
Nick Towns, Alyssa Goforth, Leda Parker
target_species_genus:
photuris
target_species_species:
billbrowni
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream
Habitat Type Notes:
Bottomland hardwood forest with oaks, hackberry, sweetgum, and pine, transitioning to a bald cypress swamp along Lake Anahuac. The survey route follows a paved trail and boardwalk through these wooded habitats.
Elevation (meters):
7.9
Area Searched (hectares):
4.3
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): 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:
The main road is quite a distance - but occasionally vehicle lights pass by.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
photuris
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
Approximately 11–12 mm long, found in brush along the bird blind trail. Observed flashing very low to the ground, with flashes resembling a camera flashbulb.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:04
Last Flash Time:
21:15
First Flash Temp (F):
85
Last Flash Temp (F):
85
Flashes in Pattern:
3
Flash Color:
White
Flash Pattern Period:
0
Flash Duration:
.01
Flash Interval:
0
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Very low quick flashing in the brush with some slow drifting across the path.
Male Flash Behavior:
Very low quick flashing in the brush with some slow drifting across the path. Did see a quick paired flash. Unable to get good data on flash period and flash interval.
Female Flash Behavior:
could not confirm
