Observation: Pyractomena borealis
Primary Observer:
Mary Dobberstine
Event Date:
2025-02-04
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
ABNC Boathouse Circle
Province/State:
Texas
Event Date:
2025-02-04
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
18:25
End Time:
19:10
Number of Observers:
4
Primary Observer:
Mary Dobberstine
Additional Observers:
Nancy Baise, Will Jones, Grace Quintero
Target Species Genus:
Pyractomena
Target Species Species:
borealis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream
Habitat Type Notes:
Riparian forested lands show signs of tree damage from a summer hurricane, following years of drought and freezes. Common plant species include dwarf palmettos, oaks, pines, and hackberries, with tallow, yaupon holly, and trifoliate orange scattered throughout. Water often stands after rainfall, as indicated by the moss along the tree line.
Elevation (meters):
3
Area Searched (hectares):
3
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: No
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:
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Pyractomena
Species:
borealis
Observation Notes:
High-flying and flashing activity observed, with larvae and pupae on trees. Both single and quick double flashes were noted.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
18:50
Last Flash Time:
19:40
First Flash Temp (F):
72
Last Flash Temp (F):
72
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
7
Flash Duration:
<1
Flash Interval:
7
Male Height Zone:
High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Flashes are visible from the high tree canopy down to the lower shrubs, with flashing also observed from an adult walking on the tree.
Male Flash Behavior:
Flashes occur at 4-7 second intervals, sometimes with a quick double flash and other times a single flash.
Female Flash Behavior:
unable to discern
1 thought on “Observation: Pyractomena borealis”
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Nicely documented! Pyractomena borealis flashes can be hard to observe since they’re so high up!