Observation: Photinus stellaris
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2023-08-08
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Musquiz Canyon - TX 118
Province/State:
Texas
Event Date:
2023-08-08
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:50
End Time:
23:45
Number of Observers:
3
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Additional Observers:
Candace Fallon, Ross Winton
Target Species Genus:
Photuris
Target Species Species:
flavicollis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
25-50
Habitat Type:
Shrub/Scrub - Arid, shrubs present and abundant
Habitat Type Notes:
The habitat included riparian trees, shrubs and grasses along Musquiz Creek and dry grass and trees on a rocky hillside across from the impoundment. Riparian trees and shrubs included Juniperus, Willos (Salix), Netleaf Hackberry (Celtis reticulata), walnut (Juglans), little leaf sumac (Rhus microphylla), oak, and buttonbush.
Elevation (meters):
1413
Area Searched (hectares):
1.2
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): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
There was regular glare and light trespass from vehicle traffic on TX 118.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Photinus
Species:
stellaris
Observation Notes:
Three males were captured flying and flashing either over TX 118 or on the uphill side of the road. The brachypterous female was found giving single, pinkish white flashes from the leaf litter under a Juniperus tree on the uphill slope of the roadside.
When a male and the female were placed in a petri dish, the male quickly mounted the female, even while illuminated by a camera LED.
We estimate that we observed between 10 and 15 flashing males.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:31
Last Flash Time:
23:25
First Flash Temp (F):
86.1
Last Flash Temp (F):
75.4
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
White
Flash Pattern Period:
0.6-0.8 seconds
Flash Duration:
0.5
Flash Interval:
0.1-0.2
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Males flew at variable heights over dry grasses and around trees on the dry rocky hillside.
Male Flash Behavior:
Males gave long lasting flashes with a 0.6-0.8 flash period and a very short flash interval/dark phase (perhaps 0.1-0.3 seconds) at 86 degrees F while flying quickly and at varying heights. The flash color appeared white from a distance and somewhat amber up close. First flash was seen at 9:31PM.
Female Flash Behavior:
The female gave a single pinkish white pulse from the leaf litter under a Juniperus tree just off the road shoulder on the uphill side of TX 118.
