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Observation: Pyractomena borealis
Primary Observer:
Lisa Bates
Event Date:
2025-03-25
Status:
Unverified
Survey
Site Name:
Mom’s House
Province/State:
South Carolina
Event Date:
2025-03-25
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:24
End Time:
20:43
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Lisa Bates
Additional Observers:
NA
Target Species Genus:
unknown
Target Species Species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Densely wooded. There is a small stream that runs through the back of the property. There are many downed trees from hurricane Helene.
Elevation (meters):
340
Area Searched (hectares):
1.5
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: Yes
Street Lights: No
Buildings: Yes
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): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
Mom’s property is pretty dark. We have neighbors with outside lights, but her property is so densely wooded that there’s almost no light trespass.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
2-10
Genus:
Pyractomena
Species:
borealis
Observation Notes:
I have no idea. I just saw them flashing in the dark.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:24
Last Flash Time:
20:56
First Flash Temp (F):
72
Last Flash Temp (F):
72
Flashes in Pattern:
2
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
3
Flash Duration:
2
Flash Interval:
2
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
In the trees.
Male Flash Behavior:
Female Flash Behavior:
1 thought on “Observation: Pyractomena borealis”
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At this time of year, the only lightning bug species with adults out and flashing is Pyractomena borealis, the “spring treetop flasher.” Later in the season, determining species from just a sighting of flashes is much more challenging.