Observation: Microphotus octarthrus
Primary Observer:
Anna Walker
Event Date:
2026-06-13
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Lucero Spring B- Williamson Property
Province/State:
New Mexico
Event Date:
2026-06-13
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
19:36
End Time:
23:25
Number of Observers:
7
Primary Observer:
Anna Walker
Additional Observers:
Walker Williamson, Tatyana Williamson, Juniper Williamson, Ian Vetter, Quin Baine, Laura Paskus, Diana Cervantes,
target_species_genus:
pleotomus
target_species_species:
nigripennis
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Open Freshwater Wetland - Wetland Bog, fen, freshwater marsh
Habitat Type Notes:
Most of the survey centered around a spring, within a pinon (one-seed)/ juniper (alligator) woodland. The elevation of the 200 acre property ranges from approximately 5,500 to 6,500 ft. The avg annual rainfall is about 15 inches. Most of the property comprises a pinon-juniper woodland along mesas, interspersed with large grisea oaks, mountain mohogany, and chinkapins, as well as grassland. The springs are riparian oases with mixed salix, cotton wood, and cattails.
Elevation (meters):
1779
Area Searched (hectares):
2
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:
Property is in remote part of Capitan Mountains. Artificial light is very minimal, though some sky glow, likely from Roswell, was noted. Clouds were likely amplifying the light pollution.
Observation
Observation Type:
Without Flash Data
Number Observed:
2-10
genus:
microphotus
Species:
octarthrus
Observation Notes:
Four traps were set out, but M. octarthrus came to just two of them. One individual was found in a trap at 33.5624128, -105.2023030. A specimen was collected at 22:20, 78.4 degrees F. A second individual was found in a trap at 33.5622197, -105.1939698. This specimen was also collected, at 23:00, 74.0 degrees F. No M. octarthrus were found at the UV light sheet. Specimens are about 7mm in length. Length of elytra is just over 2 times as long as the pronotum.
