Observation: Pyractomena dispersa
Primary Observer:
Cheryl Mollohan
Event Date:
2025-06-30
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Spence Spring
Province/State:
Arizona
Event Date:
2025-06-30
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
19:30
End Time:
21:05
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Cheryl Mollohan
Additional Observers:
Ron Day
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:
Elevation (meters):
2757
Area Searched (hectares):
.083
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:
Remote site - no light pollution
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
50+
genus:
pyractomena
Species:
dispersa
Observation Notes:
Likely more than 250 observed. Temps were fairly cold. Some fireflies were sitting on vegetation and not flashing for quite some time between. Those in flight showed typical 3 -4 flash with flicker. Some were flying quite high - up to 30 feet.
Specimen Voucher Number:
WM-CM-2025-08, WM-CM-2025-09, WM-CM-2025-10
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:05
Last Flash Time:
21:05
First Flash Temp (F):
58.2
Last Flash Temp (F):
52.8
Flashes in Pattern:
4
Flash Color:
Orange
Flash Pattern Period:
not recorded
Flash Duration:
Not recorded
Flash Interval:
Not recorded
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft), High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Some were sitting on grass at <3 feet, some were sitting in trees. These flashed fairly irregularly and then usually 3 flashes without the flicker flash. Those flying exhibited more typical 3 flashes and ending with a flicker flash.
Survey was ended at 9:05 well past peak flashing but still some flashing - it was cold!
