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Observation: Pyractomena lucifera
Primary Observer:
Mary Dobberstine
Event Date:
2025-08-19
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
ABNC – Rotary Pond
Province/State:
Texas
Event Date:
2025-08-19
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:15
End Time:
21:00
Number of Observers:
9
Primary Observer:
Mary Dobberstine
Additional Observers:
Ernesto, Ford Hubbert, Jess Maddox, Leda Parker, Mary McElligott, Nick Towns, Rob, Sean McGee, Sherrie Jackson
Target Species Genus:
Pyractomena
Target Species Species:
lucifera
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Open Freshwater Wetland - Wetland Bog, fen, freshwater marsh
Habitat Type Notes:
The freshwater pond, covered with duckweed, is home to iris and cattail plants. A viewing platform lets us observe the vegetation without stepping into the water. That evening, we also spotted several bullfrogs, alligators, and bats.
Elevation (meters):
3.4
Area Searched (hectares):
.15
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:
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Pyractomena
Species:
lucifera
Observation Notes:
We did observe some adult flashing, but the highlight of the evening was truly special—in our four years of surveying at Armand Bayou Nature Center, we finally found Pyractomena lucifera larvae for the first time! We typically see the adults twice a year, starting in April for a few months and again in July. The larvae were discovered in the mud near the plants, as the water level was low.
The first sighting came from a first-time Glow Patrol member who noticed a faint glow on the ground rather than in flight. As we looked closer, we found more glowing spots and managed to lean over the platform and extend a net to capture one for photo identification.
One theory is that these larvae enter diapause and later emerge as our April adults. We were surprised to see how long the larvae were in comparison with how small the luficera adults are. It was a very exciting night for everyone!
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:22
Last Flash Time:
20:55
First Flash Temp (F):
86
Last Flash Temp (F):
86
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Unknown
Flash Pattern Period:
3-4
Flash Duration:
<1 sec
Flash Interval:
3
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
In the Iris bushes or just above the Iris bushes mostly with some flying observed higher. Occasionally observed one flying across the pond.
Male Flash Behavior:
3 second interval just a quick simple flash; earlier ones appear more amber and as the evening progress more blue – white
Female Flash Behavior:
none observed
1 thought on “Observation: Pyractomena lucifera”
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Very nice find! There is a nice comparison photo of a Pyractomena lucifera larva on page 20 of this publication by Larry Buschman.