Observation: Photuris lucicrescens
Primary Observer:
Pam Morgan
Event Date:
2024-07-02
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Coler Firefly Sanctuary - Plaza
Province/State:
Arkansas
Event Date:
2024-07-02
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:10
End Time:
22:25
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Pam Morgan
Additional Observers:
Clint Morgan
Target Species Genus:
Photinus
Target Species Species:
tenuicinctus
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
A paved path through the woods. There was a stream fairly close, but not visible from the path. Tall trees were abundant, including oak, American sycamore, box elder, maple, elm, black walnut, and hickory. The understory was dominated by spicebush, with an occasional dogwood, sassafras, and hackberry. There were quite a few invasive species, especially near the beginning of the trail, including mimosa trees, bush honeysuckle, Japanese stiltgrass, parilla mint, and multiflora rose. There were some vines, including Virginia creeper, grapevines, and Japanese honeysuckle. There was very heavy leaf litter and many fallen logs off the path.
Elevation (meters):
351
Area Searched (hectares):
.2
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): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
The path went through woods with a tall tree canopy that blocked any sky glow. There are no lights at this park, and we were far enough away from any streets or the parking lot so that there were no lights from there. Earlier there had been some pedestrians and bikers with lights, but none after we started the survey.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
2-10
Genus:
Photuris
Species:
lucicrescens
Observation Notes:
14 mm
Spotted on my way out of the survey area, near the bridge at the end of the path. Not as dark here, not as much tree cover. Closer to the creek. There were several flying near the creek.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
22:20
Last Flash Time:
22:25
First Flash Temp (F):
86
Last Flash Temp (F):
86
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
4
Flash Duration:
2
Flash Interval:
2
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Near the creek, both along the paved path and over the vegetation.
Male Flash Behavior:
Long 2-second flash, followed by 2 seconds of darkness. Fairly straight flight.
