Observation: Pyractomena lucifera
Primary Observer:
Alyssa Gofortha
Event Date:
2026-03-24
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
ABNC – Rotary Pond
Province/State:
Texas
Event Date:
2026-03-24
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
19:45
End Time:
20:30
Number of Observers:
9
Primary Observer:
Alyssa Gofortha
Additional Observers:
Ana-Marie, Ernesto, Leda, Magaly, Nancy, Olivia, Rob, Sarah
target_species_genus:
pyractomena
target_species_species:
borealis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Open Freshwater Wetland - Wetland Bog, fen, freshwater marsh
Habitat Type Notes:
Freshwater pond – covered with duck weed. Plant types include cattails and iris bushes.
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:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
pyractomena
Species:
lucifera
Observation Notes:
At approximately 8:15 PM, low bluish flashes and glows were observed at water level over the pond, primarily among the irises. These were confirmed as the first sighting of Pyractomena lucifera for the 2026 season. Flash activity may have begun prior to 8:15 PM. We stayed until 8:35 PM to observe.
Observed body length was approximately 11 mm.
Pyractomena borealis were also present and noted to be more stationary than typically observed.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:15
Last Flash Time:
20:35
First Flash Temp (F):
70
Last Flash Temp (F):
70
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
White
Flash Pattern Period:
unsure
Flash Duration:
unsure
Flash Interval:
unsure
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Low within the iris bushes and just above them.
Male Flash Behavior:
Simple single flash with a white or bluish-white glow. Flashes were slow and stationary mostly.
Female Flash Behavior:
none observed
