Rare Butterfly Management Studies- Transloaction 2016

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 southeast of the city between the footprints of 2003 and 2007 fires. Due to the extremely restricted distribution, the species is highly vulnerable since one 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 initiated a project to evaluate translocation as a management tool for establishing self-sustaining Hermes copper populations. If successful, this could be a potential management tool to mitigate the impacts of wildfire. We translocated Hermes copper from larger populations to an area that was occupied by Hermes copper prior to a recent (2007) wildfire. In addition, key members of the vegetation community, including spiny redberry and California buckwheat shrubs were still present after the fire. The success of translocation of adults and eggs was assessed separately.

General Management
Invertebrate Species
completed
April 1, 2014
September 30, 2016
Project Groups
  • SDMMP_2017_19647237 Hermes Copper Regional Management and Monitoring

Project Focus

Hermes copper

Douglas Deutschman

San Diego State University, Department of Biology

Dan Marschalek

Dan Marschalek

Project Protocol
File name Lead Author Year Type
Hermes Copper Butterfly Translocation, Reintroduction, and Surveys Marschalek, Dan; Deutschman, Douglas 2018 report
Rare Butterfly Management Studies on Conserved Lands in San Diego County: Hermes Copper (Lycaena hermes) Translocation Final Report Marschalek, Dan; Deutschman, Douglas 2016 report
Rare Butterfly Monitoring and Translocation Marschalek, Dan; Deutschman, Douglas 2018 report