Type: report

Article abstract: 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]