Observation: Microphotus
Primary Observer:
Anna Walker
Event Date:
2024-06-15
Status:
Unreviewed
Survey
Site Name:
Embudo Trail- Sandia Mountains
Province/State:
New Mexico
Event Date:
2024-06-15
Time of Day:
Night-Time
Start Time:
21:10
End Time:
22:14
Number of Observers:
2
Primary Observer:
Anna Walker
Additional Observers:
Trevor Graff
Target Species Genus:
Microphotus
Target Species Species:
octarthrus
Location and Habitat
Location Accuracy (meters):
0-25
Habitat Type:
Shrub/Scrub - Arid, shrubs present and abundant
Habitat Type Notes:
Arid shrubland. Though not dominant, some juniper and pinyon are scattered around. Also common are oak (Quercus turbinella), cholla, prickly pear, and beargrass.
Elevation (meters):
1896
Area Searched (hectares):
1.15
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): No
Light Trespass (light cast on surfaces beyond its intended target): Yes
Glare (bright light causing visual discomfort): No
Artificial Light Notes:
All light sources are in the distance (at least 500m away), so light trespass is minimal. However, the site is in the foothills adjacent to/above the city of Albuquerque, so the sky glow is substantial.
Observation
Observation Type:
Non-Flashing
Number Observed:
1
Genus:
Microphotus
Species:
unknown
Observation Notes:
Very small Microphotus female. She was on a large boulder beneath a Sonoran scrub oak (Quercus turbinella), next to beargrass (Nolina sp.). Her light seemed greenish and was quite bright. I spotted her from about 10 meters away. I also put two homemade glowworm traps (liter soda bottles with a light source) out, but no males were attracted.
