Observation: Pyractomena ecostata

Observation: Pyractomena ecostata

Primary Observer:

Richard Joyce

Event Date:

2022-07-05

Status:

Verified

Survey

Site Name:

Lighthouse Road/Cedar Creek Public Boat Ramp

Province/State:

Delaware

Event Date:

2022-07-05

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

20:40

End Time:

22:16

Number of Observers:

1

Primary Observer:

Richard Joyce

Additional Observers:

NA

Target Species Genus:

Pyractomena

Target Species Species:

ecostata

Location and Habitat

Location Accuracy (meters):

25-50

Habitat Type:

Tidal Marsh - Salt marsh or brackish marsh

Habitat Type Notes:

Spartina alterniflora saltmarsh with a strip of Phragmites and Iva on slightly higher ground near Lighthouse Road.

Elevation (meters):

1

Area Searched (hectares):

3

Artificial Light Sources

Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes

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

Artificial Light Notes:

Significant glare buildings and streetlights at marina complexes across the creek. Light trespass from lighting at Cedar Creek Public Boat Launch parking lot. Also glare in the distance from telecommunication towers. Occasional vehicle headlights on Lighthouse Rd.

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

Number Observed:

11-50

Genus:

Pyractomena

Species:

ecostata

Observation Notes:

Flash pattern details are not specific to this individual.

Specimen Voucher Number:

Voucher number not assigned, but two specimens in collection of Christopher Heckscher.

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

21:33

Last Flash Time:

22:10

First Flash Temp (F):

73.5

Last Flash Temp (F):

73.4

Flashes in Pattern:

1

Flash Color:

Green

Flash Pattern Period:

6

Flash Duration:

1

Flash Interval:

5

Male Height Zone:

Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)

Flash Location:

Flashes were seen over the Spartina alterniflora saltmarsh, many well away from Lighthouse Road. Most flashes were on the northwest side of the road, but a few were also seen on the southeast side.

Male Flash Behavior:

Bright green, glowing flashes at heights of mostly 5-10 feet above the ground. Flash periods ranged from 4.5 to 11.6 seconds.

Female Flash Behavior:

Not observed.

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