Observation: Pyractomena borealis
Primary Observer:
Peggy Butler
Event Date:
2026-05-12
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Undisclosed
Province/State:
Pennsylvania
Event Date:
2026-05-12
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:00
End Time:
21:20
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Peggy Butler
Additional Observers:
NA
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:
Wooded hillside next backyard lawn
Elevation (meters):
361.49
Area Searched (hectares):
<.5
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:
2-10
genus:
pyractomena
Species:
borealis
Observation Notes:
First sighting of flashing this season. Last night we had a hard frost, and before that temps have been below 50 for over a week.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:05
Last Flash Time:
21:20
First Flash Temp (F):
57
Last Flash Temp (F):
55
Flashes in Pattern:
3
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
1 flash every 3-4 seconds
Flash Duration:
<.5
Flash Interval:
3-4 seconds
Male Height Zone:
High (over 8 ft)
Flash Location:
In high trees 30-40 ft above the ground
Male Flash Behavior:
Flying in the trees flashing 1 time every 3-4 seconds 2, 3 or more times. Several times the flashing stopped for a minute or so.
Female Flash Behavior:
none observed
