Observation: Pyractomena borealis
Primary Observer:
Jeffrey Calta
Event Date:
2026-05-17
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Fairview Township
Province/State:
Pennsylvania
Event Date:
2026-05-17
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:33
End Time:
22:33
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Jeffrey Calta
Additional Observers:
Na
target_species_genus:
pyractomena
target_species_species:
borealis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
250-500
Habitat Type:
Woodland/Forest - Trees dominant, and in the over-story
Habitat Type Notes:
Line of mature cherry trees along stream
Elevation (meters):
400
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): Yes
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:
20 mm long, captured along cherry tree line. Flash had a dim flash immediately before the main flash (unusual!)
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:50
Last Flash Time:
22:44
First Flash Temp (F):
64
Last Flash Temp (F):
61
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
3
Flash Duration:
1
Flash Interval:
5-6
Male Height Zone:
Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Along cherry tree line
Male Flash Behavior:
One flash every three seconds. This one had a series of a dim flash immediately followed by a bright flas. Very unusual.
Female Flash Behavior:
None observed
