Notice: Below is a list of 0 important links included on this page.
Please note that while screen readers have made significant strides, they may still lack full support for optimal web accessibility.
Observation: Pyractomena punctiventris
Primary Observer:
Mary Dobberstine
Event Date:
2025-04-21
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
University of Houston Coastal Center
Province/State:
Texas
Event Date:
2025-04-21
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:12
End Time:
22:30
Number of Observers:
11
Primary Observer:
Mary Dobberstine
Additional Observers:
Alyssa Goforth, Nick Townes, Jess Townes, Stephen S., Will Jones, Ana-Marie Brown, Patty Trimingham, Sarah DeLeon, Nancy Baise, Evelyn Metz
Target Species Genus:
Pyractomena
Target Species Species:
punctiventris
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
UH Coastal Center is home to habitats of high-quality coastal prairie, forested wetland and manmade wetlands, and coastal prairie in the process of restoration. Over 364 species of plants have been identified. Trees onsite include sycamore, mulberry, cedar and live oaks. The live oaks present today are believed to have been planted during World War II.
Elevation (meters):
11.6
Area Searched (hectares):
30
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:
Behind the center, there’s a model airplane course—which led to some unexpectedly interesting observations at one point! 😊
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
50+
Genus:
Pyractomena
Species:
punctiventris
Observation Notes:
Flashing found in the prairie grasses. Green to yellow slow glows in and out of the grass with limited flying above the grass line. We captured two specimens. One found did not have the pinking coloring on the pronotum and ventral side. We were wondering if punctiventris may have different color morphs. Body length 18 mm
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:30
Last Flash Time:
22:30
First Flash Temp (F):
77
Last Flash Temp (F):
73
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
4-5
Flash Duration:
<1
Flash Interval:
4-5
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Flashing was observed primarily at the height of the prairie grasses, around three feet while in flight, but also seen stationary within the grasses below that height.
Male Flash Behavior:
Described as more of a slow glow than a flash, with colors ranging from yellow to green with 4-5 second interval. Peak flashing time was 8:35-8:45PM which was 43-53 minutes after sunset.
Female Flash Behavior:
none observed
1 thought on “Observation: Pyractomena punctiventris”
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Wonderful observation– thank you for submitting!