Observation: Pyractomena ecostata
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2025-04-24
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Big Bend WMA, Tide Swamp Unit, Hagens Cove Park
Province/State:
Florida
Event Date:
2025-04-24
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:16
End Time:
22:41
Number of Observers:
4
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Additional Observers:
David Cook, Jonathan Mays, Mitchell Haag
Target Species Genus:
Micronaspis
Target Species Species:
floridana
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
100-250
Habitat Type:
Tidal Marsh - Salt marsh or brackish marsh
Habitat Type Notes:
Habitats included salt marsh (both Spartina and Juncus roemerianus), mangroves (mostly small plants), and mesic flatwoods along the entrance road (slash pine, saw palmetto, cabbage palmetto).
Elevation (meters):
1
Area Searched (hectares):
3.7
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): Yes
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:
In addition to sky glow from Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee, there was light trespass and glare from the occasional vehicle.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Pyractomena
Species:
ecostata
Observation Notes:
Five specimens (4 adult males and 1 adult female) were collected. One male measured about 13 mm, while the female was about 14 mm. No flash activity was seen over the salt marsh or in the areas of mangrove recruitment.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:15
Last Flash Time:
22:30
First Flash Temp (F):
75
Last Flash Temp (F):
73
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
over 5 seconds
Flash Duration:
over 0.5 seconds
Flash Interval:
not recorded
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Flash activity was primarily in the understory and midstory of the mesic flatwoods (being encroached by black needlerush marsh). Several individuals flashed while flying over the entrance road at about chest height or higher.
Male Flash Behavior:
Very bright, long flashes, with a flash pattern period of over 5 seconds (not measured).
Female Flash Behavior:
A female was found emitting light from the ground, but flash delay was not recorded.
