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Observation: Microphotus pecosensis
Primary Observer:
Anthony Jackson
Event Date:
2025-07-07
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Little Lights Canyon
Province/State:
New Mexico
Event Date:
2025-07-07
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
09:30
End Time:
10:15
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Anthony Jackson
Additional Observers:
Elizabeth Jackson
Target Species Genus:
Microphotus
Target Species Species:
pecosensis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Lots of leaf litter and sandstone rocks abundant. Steep canyon walls Undisturbed old growth forest, pinyon juniper ponderosa and Douglass fir.
Elevation (meters):
2200
Area Searched (hectares):
3
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): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
One house above canyon has a security light on all night, which does trespass on the other canyon nearby.
Observation
Observation Type:
Non-Flashing
Number Observed:
2-10
Genus:
Microphotus
Species:
pecosensis
Observation Notes:
Multiple displaying females on rocks inside or flanking a canyon. Observed several mating pairs, with males following females back into a burrow under the display rock after mating, which lasted no more than 5 minutes. One female observed didn't find a mate, but two nights later she was back signaling, higher on the rock than before. Light is steady glow, green, and visible far off even in the bright moonshine. They are associated with the rocks and also beneath the leaf litter of mountain mahogany. Inhabiting a relatively small area, not widespread.
