Observation: Pyractomena ecostata
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Event Date:
2023-07-10
Status:
Verified
Survey
Site Name:
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge- headquarters high marsh
Province/State:
New Jersey
Event Date:
2023-07-10
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
20:37
End Time:
23:18
Number of Observers:
5
Primary Observer:
Richard Joyce
Additional Observers:
Kass Urban-Mead, Nate Kleinman, Jack McDonough, Jamie Ngo
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:
High salt marsh with Spartina alterniflora, Spartina patens, and strips of Phragmites australis (at the highest elevations).
Elevation (meters):
0.75
Area Searched (hectares):
0.5
Artificial Light Sources
Vehicles: No
Street Lights: No
Buildings: Yes
Street Lights: No
Buildings: Yes
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:
Significant sky glow and glare from urban areas on the horizon, particularly Atlantic City. The habitat itself was free from light trespass.
Observation
Observation Type:
Flashing
Number Observed:
11-50
Genus:
Pyractomena
Species:
ecostata
Observation Notes:
One of the photographed individuals had damaged lanterns. About 14 mm long.
Specimen Voucher Number:
Flash Behavior
First Flash Time:
21:01
Last Flash Time:
23:18
First Flash Temp (F):
74
Last Flash Temp (F):
71
Flashes in Pattern:
1
Flash Color:
Green
Flash Pattern Period:
6
Flash Duration:
0.5
Flash Interval:
5.5
Male Height Zone:
Low (0-3 ft), Moderate (3-8 ft)
Flash Location:
About knee to waist height over the Spartina salt marsh grass.
Male Flash Behavior:
At the beginning of the evening, "greenish, long, glowing flashes with vertical rising movement." Measured flash periods ranged from 5.8 to 7 seconds at 74 degrees F.
Female Flash Behavior:
Not observed.
