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Observation: Pyractomena borealis
Primary Observer:
Alyssa Goforth
Event Date:
2025-02-25
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
ABNC Short Loop Trail
Province/State:
Texas
Event Date:
2025-02-25
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
19:17
End Time:
19:27
Number of Observers:
3
Primary Observer:
Alyssa Goforth
Additional Observers:
Sarah DeLeon, Patty Trimmingham
Target Species Genus:
Pyractomena
Target Species Species:
borealis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Riparian forested lands show signs of tree damage from a summer hurricane, following years of drought and freezes. Common plant species include dwarf palmettos, oaks, pines, and hackberries, with tallow, yaupon holly, and trifoliate orange scattered throughout. Water often stands after rainfall, as indicated by the moss along the tree line.
Elevation (meters):
3
Area Searched (hectares):
1.4
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:
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
50+
Genus:
Pyractomena
Species:
borealis
Observation Notes:
A mating pair was observed 4-6 feet up on a tree.
Flashing already started before we arrived at about 6:45 (sunset 6:17pm). Just a few at first then increasing. Very cold weather last week, then sunny and warmer Mon and Tues.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
18:45
Last Flash Time:
19:30
First Flash Temp (F):
59
Last Flash Temp (F):
57
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Orange
Flash Pattern Period:
variable
Flash Duration:
variable
Flash Interval:
variable
Male Height Zone:
High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Mostly single flashes were seen, with a few double flashes. The flashes ranged from nearly white to amber and occurred between 5 feet and 50-60 feet, with the majority falling within the 10-30 foot range.
Male Flash Behavior:
Some flashes short and bright and nearly white, some slower and ember-like and more amber color. Flashes 3 to 40 feet. Some double flashes, with two moderately slow flashes separated by about a half second or so. More single flashes than doubles.
Female Flash Behavior:
none noted; didn't want to bother the mating pair :)
