Observation: Pyractomena dispersa
Primary Observer:
Kevin Burls
Event Date:
2025-06-17
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Lockes Ranch
Province/State:
Nevada
Event Date:
2025-06-17
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
19:50
End Time:
23:30
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Kevin Burls
Additional Observers:
Michael Strother
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:
Dominated by yerba mansa (Anemopsis californica), grasses and broad sedges (I think), with cattails and willows in wetter areas. Spring outputs vary over seasons and years and the water level changes accordingly.
Elevation (meters):
1468
Area Searched (hectares):
5
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:
This is one of the darkest areas in the state.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
50+
Genus:
Pyractomena
Species:
dispersa
Observation Notes:
Adults were flying over yerba mansa, grasses and rushes slightly uphill of the wetter area- though I did not explore the wetter area. Adults appear to be ~15 mm long and have the ridge on the thorax associated with the species. Two example individuals shown in photos; #1 is photos 2071 and 2073; the second individual is photos 2083 and 2085.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:00
Last Flash Time:
23:15
First Flash Temp (F):
78
Last Flash Temp (F):
71
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
2.5
Flash Duration:
.2
Flash Interval:
.1
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Flashes were from waist height to slightly above head height, and also apparently flashing from ground.
Male Flash Behavior:
Males often flew in a fairly straight line, quick flash pattern, at chest height as with other populations I've visited. Some individuals had a bit of an "afterglow" to their last flash, but this was variable. The flash part of the flash period is quick, and there is variation that is hard to quantify. Interestingly, I definitely saw a male flash repeatedly while circling a shrub I also suspected had a female near it, which I have not seen before. Flash color was green with a tinge of yellow.
Female Flash Behavior:
I have no idea, even the ones I thought were females I think are actually males. Female flashes seem irregular and single in nature. They appear to be deep down in shrubs or sedges at times.
