Observation: Pyractomena ecostata

Observation: Pyractomena ecostata

Primary Observer:

Richard Joyce

Event Date:

2025-07-17

Status:

Verified

Survey

Site Name:

Good Luck Point, Edwin B. Forsythe NWR,

Province/State:

New Jersey

Event Date:

2025-07-17

Time of Day:

Night-Time

Start Time:

20:28

End Time:

22:15

Number of Observers:

7

Primary Observer:

Richard Joyce

Additional Observers:

Joseph S., Robert S., Jack M., Dylan S., Nick M., Ryan L.

Target Species Genus:

Pyractomena

Target Species Species:

ecostata

Location and Habitat

Location Accuracy (meters):

100-250

Habitat Type:

Tidal Marsh - Salt marsh or brackish marsh

Habitat Type Notes:

A mix of Spartina patens and Spartina alterniflora, with Phragmites australis, Red Cedar, and other tree and shrub species near the high tide line.

Elevation (meters):

0.3

Area Searched (hectares):

2

Artificial Light Sources

Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes

Artificial Light Types

Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes

Artificial Light Notes:

Floodlights at the marina west of the old radio transmitting building cast light trespass into the marsh, though a lux meter did not register this light from the marsh.

Observation

Observation Type:

Flashing

Number Observed:

11-50

Genus:

Pyractomena

Species:

ecostata

Observation Notes:

Captured male measured about 13 mm. From the focal observation point on the old roadbed into the marsh, Pyractomena could be seen flashing in most directions.

Specimen Voucher Number:

Flash Behavior

First Flash Time:

21:03

Last Flash Time:

22:00

First Flash Temp (F):

86.5

Last Flash Temp (F):

86

Flashes in Pattern:

1

Flash Color:

Green

Flash Pattern Period:

4.5

Flash Duration:

0.5

Flash Interval:

4

Male Height Zone:

Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)

Flash Location:

Both from the salt marsh grasses and at variable heights above the marsh.

Male Flash Behavior:

Long, bright greenish flashes. A series of flashes from one individual perched in the marsh grass had flash pattern periods that ranged from 2.9 seconds to 7 seconds, median 4.45 seconds.

Female Flash Behavior:

Not observed.

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