Observation: Pyractomena dispersa

Observation: Pyractomena dispersa

Primary Observer:

Rachel Irvin

Event Date:

2023-07-25

Status:

Verified

Survey

Site Name:

Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter

Province/State:

Utah

Event Date:

2023-07-25

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

21:00

End Time:

22:06

Number of Observers:

2

Primary Observer:

Rachel Irvin

Additional Observers:

Helani Torres.

Target Species Genus:

Pyractomena

Target Species Species:

dispersa

Location and Habitat

Location Accuracy (meters):

0-25

Habitat Type:

Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream

Habitat Type Notes:

The area we observed followed a creek/river that ran along the west side of the property. It was dominated by grasses, (possibly) native thistles, yarrow, mallows, and shrubs (not identified).

Elevation (meters):

1950

Area Searched (hectares):

1.73

Artificial Light Sources

Vehicles: No
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes

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

Artificial Light Notes:

Cars on the northern portion of the preserve from I-80. Buildings to the west from Snyderville. A moth searching event was happening on this night, so lights were being used along the boardwalk to attract those insects. The building also contributes a small amount of light pollution near the location in the park that we surveyed.

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

Number Observed:

11-50

Genus:

Pyractomena

Species:

dispersa

Observation Notes:

Seen along the river/creek flying 5-6 feet high in between large shrubs. Caught midair.

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

21:50

Last Flash Time:

22:06

First Flash Temp (F):

72

Last Flash Temp (F):

60

Flashes in Pattern:

>4

Flash Color:

Yellow

Flash Pattern Period:

3

Flash Duration:

0.5-1

Flash Interval:

0.5-0.25

Male Height Zone:

Moderate (3-8 ft)

Flash Location:

Flashes were seen near the water and in between shrubs.

Male Flash Behavior:

Flashes were fairly weak. The light was not very bright, and the flash patterns were hard to determine. They would start strong and seemed to taper out with quick little flashes.

Female Flash Behavior:

May have seen a few on the ground, but never did observe any specimens on the foliage. It was very faint and hard to determine.

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