Recording for the August 26, 2020 SDMMP Mgmt. and Mon. Coordination Meeting. Dan Marschalek (University of Central Missouri) - "Hermes copper & Harbison's dun skipper: Where we are and where we are going?" Spring Strahm (Conservation Biology Institute) – “Status update on Laguna Mountains Skipper reintroduction effort†and “Augmenting Quino checkerspot butterfly in the San Diego National Wildlife Refugeâ€
Recording from the July 26, 2023 SDMMP Management and Monitoring Coordination Meeting. Presentations: Brief Update on Fire Coordination and Resource Avoidance Area Mapping Database (Pete Scully) and San Diego Pollinators and a Monitoring Plan (Dan Marschalek, University of Central Missouri)
The 2021 status of the Hermes copper populations is similar to the last couple years, with only
three sites being occupied (Boulder Creek, Roberts Ranch South, and Potrero BLM) on
conserved lands. It now appears that, after two consecutive years of no observations, Lawson
Peak and Roberts Ranch North are extirpated. With more focused attention, the Potrero BLM
site may have a larger population than indicated by two observations in 2020 and four in 2021,
but more widespread surveys in this area are needed for an accurate description. Since Hermes
copper adults were not detected at any sites, the long-term viability of the species appears to
be highly dependent on the Robert Ranch South population. (SANDAG TransNet EMP Contract #5005783)
This report summarizes and synthesizes Hermes copper surveying efforts led by the University of Central Missouri (Marschalek) and San Diego State University (Marschalek and Deutschman) in 2019. These efforts were funded by SANDAG (contract #: 5005783) and US Fish and Wildlife Service (contract #: F17AC00963), respectively.
The Hermes copper, Lycaena hermes, is a rare butterfly endemic to San Diego County and northern Baja California. This species is threatened by recent urbanization and wildfires throughout its range in the United States (Marschalek et al. 2018). In April of 2011 the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) issued a 12-month finding which concluded that listing the Hermes copper butterfly as threatened or endangered was warranted, and is currently on the USFWS list of candidate species (USFWS 2011).
Our research has documented several extirpations due to the 2003 and 2007 wildfires, but few recolonizations despite what appears to be suitable habitat. Although a few small populations exist within and north of the city of San Diego, the majority of Hermes copper individuals are found to the east and south east of the city between the fire footprints of 2003 and 2007. Due to the extremely restricted distribution, the species is a high risk of extinction and one more large fire could push the species to the brink of extinction. Recolonization into post-wildfire habitats is essential for the long-term persistence of Hermes copper; however, it appears that habitat fragmentation is limiting dispersal and preventing recolonizations from occurring.
For these reasons, we are monitoring four sentinel sites which are well spaced geographically. The spacing provides a range of Hermes copper climatic conditions and reduces the likelihood of being lost in a single wildfire. These data provide information regarding the correlation between annual climate and annual adult population sizes. Also, these data provide important standards to interpret counts from other Hermes copper monitoring and management activities.
(TASK 1.3: HERMES COPPER TRANSLOCATION, Contract: F17AC00963 . This
project extends the previous SANDAG funded project (Contract #: 5004388 ; Marschalek and Deutschman 2016,
2018), continuing translocation efforts and monitoring sentinel sites.
)
The Hermes copper (Lycaena hermes) is a rare butterfly endemic to San Diego County and
northern Baja California. This species is threatened by urbanization, wildfires, and drought
throughout its range in the United States. Since most individuals and the single (known)
remaining large population are found in the southern portion of San Diego County, one large
fire could extirpate the species in this country.
Past efforts have contributed to our understanding of the distribution of the Hermes copper, so
it is fairly well understood. This includes wildfires in 2003 and 2007 causing several extirpations
with few recolonizations, and more recent droughts further restricting the distribution of this
butterfly. We conducted widespread surveys in 2018 with the goal of detecting unknown
populations; however, conditions were suboptimal due to below average rainfall. Efforts in
2019 and 2020 followed winters with closer to average precipitation. In 2018, one large
population (Roberts Ranch South) was discovered to be larger than previously documented. No
new populations were documented and there was no evidence of recolonization within the
2003 or 2007 wildfire at selected sites. The objective of this project (2022 surveys) was to
further assess the distribution and annual population sizes, possibly with the goal of future
translocations of individuals to reestablish populations. We conducted surveys in many of the
areas sampled during 2019-2021.
The 2022 status of the Hermes copper populations is similar to the last couple years, with the
addition of observations at the San Diego Gas and Electric Substation near Bell Bluff Truck Trail.
However, the number of butterflies were lower than past counts at this site and at Roberts
Ranch South. Sites with fewer than five individuals have been relatively steady over the last few
years. Given these patterns, the long-term viability of the species still appears to be highly
dependent on the Robert Ranch South population.
Despite vegetation that appears to be in very good condition in both 2019 and 2020, the
distribution of Hermes copper retracted slightly from 2018 to 2019 and from 2019 to 2020. In
addition, and most population sizes declined. The distribution is greatly reduced due to
drought, with the species only being found on the southeastern margin of its historic range.
Based on data from these 2020 surveys and the trajectories based on past sampling, this
butterfly species is in risk of being lost from the United States in the near future. Considering
that the distribution and population sizes of the species are not increasing when habitat
conditions appear to be favorable, translocation and rearing techniques should be explored to
increase the number of populations and the spatial extent of those populations.
(Task 4: 2020 Hermes Copper Adult Surveys
SANDAG Contract #: 5005783)
We monitored four sentinel sites during the 2013-2015 flight seasons with the goal of recording the maximum number of Hermes copper adults present on a single day at each site (maximum count). We monitored daily adult numbers (predominately males) at sentinel sites to obtain an indication of relative population size at discrete spiny redberry patches. Survey intensity was low during the start of the flight season (1-2 times per week), more frequent when adults were most abundant (2-3 times per week), and stopped surveying as soon as adult numbers declined. This strategy provided an efficient and cost-effective way to obtain annual maximum counts for each site. We regularly monitored previously located eggs without emergence holes to track development of the immature Hermes copper stages. Surveys started earlier in the season compared to past years because larvae had emerged prior to mid-April in 2012. Hermes copper eggs obtained from three captive females during the 2012 flight season were used for this captive rearing experiment in the spring of 2013. Spiny redberry clippings containing eggs were allowed to dry under normal room conditions until being placed in 4°C. Roughly half of the eggs for each female were subjected to the cold treatment on 1 November and the other half on 29 November.
This report summarizes our survey efforts of 2021. Additional efforts for this project/task are
planned for 2022 and will include a marking study to calibrate transect counts with population
size estimates, and quantify habitat preferences. In 2021, surveys for Harbison’s dun skipper adults were conducted to assess year to year
variation in population size and update the status of each local population/site. Surveys focused
on the relatively small geographic area where skippers were observed in past years. In 2013-
2017, 14 sites had confirmed observations of Harbison’s dun skipper adults. All but one of these
sites were surveyed in 2021, with Harbison’s dun skipper adults observed at only six sites.
Population sizes at those six sites were similar to the smallest population sizes recorded during
the 2013-2017 surveys.
Overall, transect counts (visual observations) continue to describe small populations when
skippers are present. However, the large size and uneven terrain of some riparian oak
woodlands, patchy distribution of adult skippers, and shifting locations of San Diego sedge
present challenges to accurately categorizing presence/absence and relative population sizes.
(SANDAG TransNet EMP Contract #5005783)
Genetic techniques are important tools for conservation, but tissue
sampling for DNA analysis can be particularly detrimental to small study
organisms. Historically, obtaining DNA samples from small insects and butterflies
has involved destructive (lethal) methods.
2. Recent improvements to DNA purification technologies have increased the
likelihood that non-lethal sampling will be successful. In spite of this, only a
few studies have evaluated the impacts of sampling on survival and behaviour.
3. The Hermes copper, Lycaena hermes (Edwards), butterfly has a restricted
distribution and generally less than 10 individuals are encountered at any one
location. Non-lethal DNA sampling would allow for genetic studies that have the
potential to augment conservation decisions without causing local extirpations.
4. We demonstrate that removing a leg from an adult male Hermes copper
does not have a measureable effect on their survival, longevity or behaviour. In
addition, a single leg provides a sufficient DNA sample for amplified fragment
length polymorphism studies.
5. The Hermes copper butterfly represents the smallest butterfly species for
which the survival and behaviour has been assessed in relation to non-lethal tissue
sampling. This suggests that research involving smaller and more delicate
species could utilise leg removal as a non-lethal genetic sampling technique.
The overall goal of this project is to minimize the risk that Hermes copper will become extinct. To reach this goal, we must meet the following initial objectives: (1) improve our basic understanding of population status and trend (2) describe natural and anthropogenic threats to the species (3) evaluate potential management options to ameliorate threats and/or to increase the size and range of viable populations. In the first year of this project, we provided an initial evaluation of Hermes copper populations on conserved land in San Diego County. In 2011, we continued surveying many of the same sites to further assess the distribution and document fluctuations in population size. In addition some new sites were surveyed. This second year of the project was organized around three individual tasks, each a critical part of understanding the status of Hermes copper in San Diego. Task 1: Field Surveys, Task 2: Landscape Genetics, Task 3: Data Analysis and Synthesis.
In 2016, we conducted butterfly surveys at four sentinel sites (Boulder Creek, Lawson Peak, Roberts Ranch, and Sycuan Peak). Adult Hermes copper counts were similar to 2015 and low compared to 2010-2014. It is likely that the continued drought conditions are suppressing adult emergence. No Hermes copper adults were observed at sites that burned in 2003 or 2007 suggesting natural recolonization has not occurred.
(Contract: #5004388, Task Order #2)
The Hermes copper butterfly, Lycaena hermes, is a rare butterfly endemic to San Diego County, which is threatened by recent urbanization and wildfires. In 2011 the United States Fish and Wildlife Service placed Hermes copper on its candidate species list. This SANDAG funded project began in 2010, focusing on collecting population data for the first two years. In 2012 the emphasis shifted to resolving critical biological uncertainties which will deepen our understanding of the species for improved planning and management of Hermes copper. The focus for 2014-2015 remained on resolving these uncertainties, primarily regarding immature stages. In this report we summarize our work over the last three years including results from surveys in 2013 which were not part of this funded project. [See report for full executive summary]
The Hermes copper (Lycaena hermes) is a rare butterfly endemic to San Diego County and northern Baja
California. This species is threatened by recent urbanization and wildfires throughout its range in the
United States. In April of 2011 the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) issued a 12-month
finding which concluded that listing the Hermes copper butterfly as threatened or endangered was
warranted, and is currently on the USFWS list of candidate species (USFWS 2011).
This plan fulfills the MSP Roadmap objective: “In 2017, complete a five-year Hermes Copper Management Plan that includes the results from butterfly surveys and habitat assessments and genetic, marking, and translocation studies to develop a management strategy and to identify and prioritize site specific management actions. The plan should employ the modeling results to identify potential fire and climate refugia that may be suitable sites for future translocations and provide specific recommendations for reducing fire risk at occurrences at highest risk.â€
In 2016, we conducted butterfly surveys and habitat assessments at these small northern populations. We did not detect Hermes copper adults at any of the eight sites, although this was consistent with other (larger) sites in the county due to continuing drought conditions. Habitat assessments resulted in the mapping of 65 spiny redberry patches and 11 single redberry shrubs across the 8 sites. Up to 90 redberry shrubs were recorded in a single patch, but more patches were represented by a relatively low number of shrubs, and most of the redberry patches had at least 60% shrub cover. Additional insight may be gained from a more formal comparison to the habitat measured at Hermes copper sites in southern San Diego County.
(Contract: #5004388, Task Order #2)
This work involves the continuation of research related to the Hermes copper butterfly; a rare endemic butterfly known only to occur in San Diego County and threatened with extinction. From 2010-2012 a total of 400 visits to approximately 40 sites were made to determine the distribution of the extent populations of the butterfly.
To provide a baseline evaluation of biological resources, the following studies are being conducted by ICF Jones & stokes, in addition to general, qualitative evaluation of each of the Preserve properties: (1) pitfall trap arrays to sample
amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals, (2) focused surveys for Hermes Copper, (3) avian point counts, (4) nocturnal bird surveys, (5) acoustic sampling and roost surveys for bats, (6) a track and sign survey for medium-to-large mammals, and (7) a camera station survey for medium-to-large mammals. In addition, the following surveys were previously conducted and the data was or
will be provided to ICF Jones & stokes by the County: (1) 2001 general reconnaissance surveys, vegetation mapping, avian point counts, and coastal
California gnatcatcher spot mapping conducted on the central and western properties and (2) spring and summer 2007 vegetation mapping and rare plant
surveys conducted on the western, central, and eastern properties.
The Hermes copper (Lycaena hermes) is a rare butterfly endemic to San Diego County and northern Baja California. This species is threatened by recent urbanization and wildfires throughout its range in the United States. Since most individuals and larger populations are found in the southern portion of San Diego County, one large fire could nearly extirpate the species. Wildfires in 2003 and 2007 have already caused extirpations in this region and few recolonizations have been observed.
The Hermes copper (Lycaena hermes) is a rare butterfly endemic to San Diego County and
northern Baja California. This species is threatened by recent urbanization and wildfires
throughout its range in the United States. In April of 2011 the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS) issued a 12-month finding which concluded that listing the Hermes copper
butterfly as threatened or endangered was warranted, and is currently on the USFWS list of
candidate species (USFWS 2011). A proposed rule, including designated critical habitat, will be
developed.
The Hermes copper (Lycaena hermes) is a rare butterfly endemic to San Diego County and northern Baja California. This species is threatened by recent urbanization and wildfires throughout its range in the United States. Since most individuals and larger populations are found in the southern portion of San Diego County, one large fire could nearly extirpate the species. Wildfires in 2003 and 2007 have already caused extirpations in this region and few recolonizations have been observed.
Past efforts have contributed to our understanding of the distribution of the Hermes copper so it is fairly well understood. However, there may still be unknown populations. Surveys associated with the SDG&E Sunrise Powerlink Project discovered several populations by searching linear transects through Cleveland National Forest without specifically targeting Hermes copper. Based on these results, we thought that additional surveys through potential habitat could yield detections of unknown populations.
The objective of this project was to search for these populations by conducting surveys in areas not previously searched. Surveys were also conducted in the Elfin Forest area, near previously occupied areas, and three sites that experiences wildfires since 2003 to assess recolonization. During the 2018 flight season, we conducted surveys for Hermes copper adults at 35 sites (transects) determined in consultation with USFWS and USFS biologists. These sites were selected based on habitat, proximity to known populations, and considered previous survey efforts and results.
The 2018 Hermes copper flight season started the last couple days of May and extended through the first three weeks of June. This flight season started later than in recent years. Hermes copper adults were detected along only three transects, including at least 55 different adults on the CNF07 transect, 8 on CNF08, and 1 along the maintained Boulder Creek Road. There were no observations at the other transects. Most sites were experiencing very dry conditions, represented by suppressed butterfly numbers, regardless of species, and water stressed plants.
(Contract: #5004388, Task Order #4)
San Diego State University has been awarded $200,000 to study how three species of butterflies are faring across the county and whether the insects need help from scientists and planners to survive. The university received the grant from the San Diego Association of Governments (Sandag), which helps with planning issues on behalf of 18 cities and county government. SDSU biologist Douglas Deutschman will head up the research, which will focus on the Harrison's dun skipper, Quino checkerspot, and the Hermes copper butterflies.
