Observation: Pyractomena borealis
Primary Observer:
Mary Dobberstine
Event Date:
2026-01-19
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
ABNC Short Loop Trail
Province/State:
Texas
Event Date:
2026-01-19
Time of Day:
Day-Time
Start Time:
16:53
End Time:
18:12
Number of Observers:
3
Primary Observer:
Mary Dobberstine
Additional Observers:
Alyssa Goforth, Leda Parker
target_species_genus:
pyractomena
target_species_species:
borealis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Our focus was the riparian forest habitat—elms, hackberry, pines, and oaks. The nature center has been actively clearing invasives and dense brush along the trails. Some of these cleared areas showed good borealis activity a couple of years ago, particularly along the Boathouse Trail and the Short Loop. We were glad to confirm that the Short Loop still supports a population.
Elevation (meters):
4
Area Searched (hectares):
3
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:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
pyractomena
Species:
borealis
Observation Notes:
We observed our first adults of the year today. Based on their activity—walking, flying, and flashing—it appears we missed the initial emergence by only a few days. We saw just a handful flashing and flying with purpose, along with a few walking and flashing on trees. We also observed adult males guarding pupae. The adults are out two weeks earlier than last year.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
18:15
Last Flash Time:
19:45
First Flash Temp (F):
59
Last Flash Temp (F):
59
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
5 sec
Flash Duration:
< 1 sec
Flash Interval:
5 sec
Male Height Zone:
High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
Flashing on trees and flying up in the tree canopy. One found flashing on tree guarding larvae and pupae.
Male Flash Behavior:
5 sec flash interval with burst of quick light. Overall flashing activity was low still, with noticeable gaps between flashes observed.
Female Flash Behavior:
none observed
1 thought on “Observation: Pyractomena borealis”
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first sightings this year in East Tennessee, at a higher latitude