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
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
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:
With Flash Data
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.
