Observation: Pyractomena
Primary Observer:
Anna Walker
Event Date:
2023-07-24
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Holy Ghost Campground, Pecos Wilderness
Province/State:
New Mexico
Event Date:
2023-07-24
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:27
End Time:
21:58
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Anna Walker
Additional Observers:
Clay Meredith
target_species_genus:
pyractomena
target_species_species:
angulata
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream
Habitat Type Notes:
Montane stream in conifer woodland. Forest tree species include aspen, Douglas fir, and a few spruce species. There are also large gamble oaks, brambles, grasses and forbs in the clearing/ campsite. Along stream vegetation is quite thick and includes choke cherry and other unknown large shrubs. A few log jams (possibly due to beavers?) are creating slower moving sections of stream.
Elevation (meters):
2512
Area Searched (hectares):
18.5
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
None
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
None
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:
Very dark. Sits is fairly remote National Forest campground.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
2-10
genus:
pyractomena
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
Saw around 7 individuals. Two individuals caught were males.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:10
Last Flash Time:
21:58
First Flash Temp (F):
60
Last Flash Temp (F):
55
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Orange
Flash Pattern Period:
NA
Flash Duration:
NA
Flash Interval:
NA
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
All fireflies were flashing from vegetation. A few were in grass or shrubs at knee height, and a few were in trees along the stream or in gamble oak in meadow.
Male Flash Behavior:
Actual courtship flash not observed. From vegetation, males were putting off a half second flicker flash at irregular long intervals (7-13 seconds between flashes).
Female Flash Behavior:
Not observed.
