Observation: Pyractomena dispersa
Primary Observer:
Saff Killingsworth
Event Date:
2026-06-11
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Alpine Divide Campground
Province/State:
Arizona
Event Date:
2026-06-11
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
18:58
End Time:
21:09
Number of Observers:
1
Primary Observer:
Saff Killingsworth
Additional Observers:
Rachel Laura
target_species_genus:
pyractomena
target_species_species:
dispersa
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Grassland/Meadow - Meadow, open, grasses dominant
Habitat Type Notes:
Wet meadow with spring, ringed by Pinus ponderosa, Picea sp., Populus tremuloides. Mix of rhizomatous grasses and bunch grasses with rushes and sedges. Additional species include Iris, Senecio, Hymenoxys hoopesii.
Elevation (meters):
2588
Area Searched (hectares):
0.5
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: Yes
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): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
site within 100 m of highway.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
pyractomena
Species:
dispersa
Observation Notes:
Suspected Pyractomena dispersa flying between vegetation approximately 6:58 but not flashing yet. Confirmed Pyractomena first observed perched on sedge 7:02 not yet flashing. First flying males 8:01. Still sparse flashing at 9:08 when survey was ended.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
19:51
Last Flash Time:
21:09
First Flash Temp (F):
59
Last Flash Temp (F):
58
Flashes in Pattern:
4
Flash Color:
Orange
Flash Pattern Period:
3-4
Flash Duration:
1
Flash Interval:
1
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Flashes mostly occurring over lowest and presumably wettest part of meadow.
Male Flash Behavior:
Slurred flash of 3-4 flashes mostly in the 3 ft height range. Flash pattern described as Flash-Flash-fl-Flash.
Female Flash Behavior:
Possible response to male flashing but irratic if so.
