Observation: Pyractomena ecostata
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2026-07-20
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Bayshore Waterfront Park- Pews Creek Marsh
Province/State:
New Jersey
Event Date:
2026-07-20
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:36
End Time:
21:34
Number of Observers:
4
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Additional Observers:
Katie Hietala-Henschell, Robert Somes, Nicole Bendixen
target_species_genus:
pyractomena
target_species_species:
ecostata
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Tidal Marsh - Salt marsh or brackish marsh
Habitat Type Notes:
Salt marsh with cord grass (Sporobolus alterniflorus) and salt hay (Sporobolus pumilus) at lower elevations and Phragmites australis, Iva frutescens and Baccharis halimifolia at the higher margins. The salt hay areas were soggy, with bare spots between grass hummocks.
Elevation (meters):
0.8
Area Searched (hectares):
17.7
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): Yes
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:
The only light trespass reaching the marsh was from vehicle headlights. There were many sources of glare, including streetlights and buildings.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
11-50
genus:
pyractomena
Species:
ecostata
Observation Notes:
About 20 individuals were observed. First flashes were seen from the tips of salt hay and cordgrass. mGDD (1 March start date, 86/50 F, Long Branch-Oakhurst station) was 1887.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
20:49
Last Flash Time:
21:34
First Flash Temp (F):
71.5
Last Flash Temp (F):
74
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
5.5
Flash Duration:
0.7
Flash Interval:
4.8
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Flashes were over the salt marsh grasses (none observed within or above the Phragmites or high tide line shrubs).
Male Flash Behavior:
Drifting, bobbing green flashes about 0.7 seconds in duration, repeated about every 5.5 seconds.
Female Flash Behavior:
Not observed.
