Observation: Pyractomena ecostata
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2026-07-20
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Cheesequake State Park- Hooks Creek marsh
Province/State:
New Jersey
Event Date:
2026-07-20
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
23:10
End Time:
23:46
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 along Hooks Creek with extensive salt hay high marsh. At the upland border, there is Phragmites australis and marsh elder (Iva frutescens).
Elevation (meters):
0.9
Area Searched (hectares):
8.1
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: Yes
Buildings: No
Street Lights: Yes
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): Yes
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): No
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): Yes
Artificial Light Notes:
Aside from sky glow, the main ALAN sources were glare from the direction of Madison Park or Sayre Woods.
Observation
Observation Type:
With Flash Data
Number Observed:
50+
genus:
pyractomena
Species:
ecostata
Observation Notes:
Pyractomena ecostata were observed flashing both downstream and upstream from the trail, but seemed most abundant downstream and on the northwest side of Hooks Creek. Captured individuals were 12-17 mm long.
mGDD accumulation was 1887.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
23:10
Last Flash Time:
14:24
First Flash Temp (F):
72
Last Flash Temp (F):
70
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
8.7
Flash Duration:
0.9-1
Flash Interval:
7.7
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
Flashes were over the salt marsh grasses at variable heights. Some flashes were seen upstream from the trail, but many more were seen over the marsh areas northwest of Hooks Creek.
Male Flash Behavior:
Bright, long, green flashes lasting about 0.9-1 seconds, repeated at flash pattern periods of about 8.5 seconds at 71 deg F.
Female Flash Behavior:
Dim glows from saltmarsh grass.
