Observation: Microphotus pecosensis
Primary Observer:
Anna Walker
Event Date:
2026-06-16
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Cienega Picnic Area- Sandia Mountains
Province/State:
New Mexico
Event Date:
2026-06-16
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:11
End Time:
23:23
Number of Observers:
4
Primary Observer:
Anna Walker
Additional Observers:
Quin Baine, Laura Paskus, Diana Cervantes
target_species_genus:
microphotus
target_species_species:
octarthrus
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Riparian - Areas Along lake or stream
Habitat Type Notes:
Survey was started in meadow adjacent to spring fed streams in Ponderosa pine forest. The streams are mostly dry because there was hardly any snow this winter and the monsoon rains are yet to start. Other dominant trees include box elder, aspen, oak, and willow. The traps were set up the wash of one of the dry streams. The largest number of Microphotus were caught in the highest elevation trap, at 2362 m. This was an opening in the Ponderosa pine forest and there was a lot of dead wood on the ground.
Elevation (meters):
2270
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:
Minimal amount of sky glow from Albuquerque, which is just over the mountains to the west.
Observation
Observation Type:
Without Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
microphotus
Species:
pecosensis
Observation Notes:
First specimen appeared on my clipboard when I turned my white light on to record the survey start time information. In total, 6 Microphotus males were attracted to the light during about 15 minute period. I did not realize I had both M. octarthrus and M. pecosensis until I examined my photos of the specimens later, so I am unsure how many of these were M. pecosensis, though based on size, I think the majority of all specimens seen this night were M. pecosensis. M. pecosensis specimens were about 7-9mm in length. I kept three of the 6 specimens overnight to photograph them, 2 of which were M. pecosensis. They were released back onsite on 6/17/2026, in the same spot where they were collected. Did well in the fridge and benefited from a small piece of wet paper towel in the vial. Also set 4 traps, which were open from about 20:45-22:15. Trap 1 (set at 35.169076, -106.388249) had 29 male Microphotus spp. Trap 2 (set at 35.169802, -106.386652) had 1 male Microphotus spp. Trap 3 (set at 35.170214, -106.385544) had 7 male Microphotus spp. Trap 4 (set at 35.169990, -106.384602) had 0 male Microphotus spp. Again, based on the photos, the majority of individuals in the traps were likely M. pecosensis, based on size, but I was not paying attention to species during counts because I had not yet discovered there were multiple species present. No females were seen despite walking along the trail and road without headlamps. I suspect the vegetation was too thick, obscuring visibility. This site is much more lush than other Microphotus sites I have seen. Plan to return to collect specimens for closer inspection.
