Observation: Pyractomena dispersa
Primary Observer:
Yuanwu Wang
Event Date:
2026-06-04
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Jewell Prairie
Province/State:
Iowa
Event Date:
2026-06-04
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:05
End Time:
23:31
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Yuanwu Wang
Additional Observers:
Yufei Meng
target_species_genus:
unknown
target_species_species:
unknown
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
A 10-acre restored tallgrass prairie next to farm land and Upper Iowa River.
Elevation (meters):
268
Area Searched (hectares):
2
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: Yes
Artificial Light Types
Sky Glow (diffuse illumination in the sky): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
There were some lights from a nearby warehouse (looks like a warehouse), and occasional vehicle lights from the road north to the site.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
1
genus:
pyractomena
Species:
dispersa
Observation Notes:
About 13mm. Was flying just above prairie while caught, looks like a multi-flashing Photuris male with weaker flashes.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
22:33
Last Flash Time:
22:33
First Flash Temp (F):
72
Last Flash Temp (F):
72
Flashes in Pattern:
3
Flash Color:
Yellow
Flash Pattern Period:
About 3s
Flash Duration:
about 0.1-0.3s
Flash Interval:
about 0.1-0.2s
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Rose up from prairie while flashing, flying just above prairie while caught.
Male Flash Behavior:
Yellow-orange-ish triple flashes in a flash pattern, looks similar to a multi-flashing Photuris male described in the same survey. The flash intensity was gradually down in each flash pattern, may interpretate as 'flicker'?
