Type: report

Article abstract: The Harbison’s dun skipper (Euphyes vestris harbisoni) has a very restricted distribution in southern California and northern Mexico and entomologists have expressed concern that threats will lead to the extirpation of populations. The larvae of this skipper feed only on San Diego sedge (Carex spissa) and are generally associated with riparian oak woodlands. In 2023, surveys for Harbison’s dun skipper adults were conducted to collect non-lethal genetic samples for a landscape genetics project as well as further update the status of populations in San Diego County. Surveys started in a relatively small geographic area where skippers were observed in past years, but expanded to surrounding areas if skippers were not detected. A total of 9 males and 3 females were counted, with adults detected at 5 of 16 sites. Non-lethal genetic samples were collected from all individuals except one male.