Observation: Pyractomena dispersa
Primary Observer:
Linda Romine
Event Date:
2023-05-11
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
William H. Harsha Lake Corps Operations Area
Province/State:
Ohio
Event Date:
2023-05-11
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:00
End Time:
22:15
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Linda Romine
Additional Observers:
Sheila Riley
Target Species Genus:
Pyractomena
Target Species Species:
dispersa
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
This area is grassland/meadow transitioning into shrubland/meadow with autumn olive and bush honeysuckle slowly expanding. The spoil hill is leftover soil/rock removed from the spillway during construction in the 1970's that was open meadow for many years, now with a mowed path allowing access. Non-native cool-season grasses dominated the area. Small pockets of native wildflowers have been planted along the path, and native red cedar are also prevalent. The lower areas are moist to wet much of the year. Three small vernal pools have been developed in the area.
Elevation (meters):
210
Area Searched (hectares):
.5
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): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
Minimal skyglow on northwest horizon. Minimal glare from one vehicle's headlights. Most of the survey was done without interference from artificial light.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Pyractomena
Species:
dispersa
Observation Notes:
Observed estimated 40-50 Pyractamena dispersa fireflies displaying on the Spoil Hill and Lowbridge wet meadows. Also saw one or two Photuris quadrifulgens flash in this area. Pyractamena dispersa displayed in open areas and along margins of shrubs, usually about 4-8 feet above ground.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:13
Last Flash Time:
22:15
First Flash Temp (F):
68
Last Flash Temp (F):
65
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Orange
Flash Pattern Period:
3 to 3.5 seconds
Flash Duration:
about a half second
Flash Interval:
about 2.5 to 3 seconds
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Most flashed about 4-5 feet off the ground in a horizontal trajectory, although some flashed upwards or downwards. The fireflies flashed mainly over open meadow areas, but some seemed to be in pockets or groups of 3-5 or more, often near shrubs.
Male Flash Behavior:
The flash was a multi-pulsed flickering or trembling orange flash lasting about a half second with a dark period of about 2.5 to 3 seconds.
Female Flash Behavior:
Not observed.
1 thought on “Observation: Pyractomena dispersa”
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Thank you for this very thorough data submission, Linda and Sheila! The flash pattern description does fit Pyractomena dispersa, though the flash period/dark phase is a bit shorter than what is described in Lynn Faust’s book (4-7 seconds at 65 F), perhaps because it was a bit warmer during your survey.
Have Pyractomena dispersa been collected or photographed at this site before?