[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 18 (Thursday, January 27, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-1700]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: January 27, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AC25

 

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposal to List 
the Spruce-Fir Moss Spider as an Endangered Species

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Service proposes to list the spruce-fir moss spider 
(Microhexura montivaga) as an endangered species under the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This spider is currently known 
from four mostly small populations located in western North Carolina 
and eastern Tennessee. The spider's damp high-elevation forest habitat 
is deteriorating rapidly due primarily to air pollution and exotic 
insects. The species' current low numbers also increase its 
vulnerability to harm from other threats. Listing Microhexura montivaga 
as an endangered species would provide protection under the Act.

DATES: Comments from all interested parties must be received by March 
28, 1994. Public hearing requests must be received by March 14, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Comments and materials concerning this proposal should be 
sent to the Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 330 
Ridgefield Court, Asheville, North Carolina 28806. Comments and 
materials received will be available for public inspection, by 
appointment, during normal business hours at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. John Fridell at the above address 
(telephone 704/665-1195, Ext. 225).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The spruce-fir moss spider was originally described by Crosby and 
Bishop (1925) based on collections made from a site in western North 
Carolina in 1923 (Coyle 1981). Only a few specimens were taken, and 
little was known about the species until its rediscovery approximately 
50 years later by Dr. Frederick Coyle (Western Carolina University, 
Cullowhee, North Carolina) and Dr. William Shear (Hampden-Sydney 
College, Hampden-Sydney, Virginia) (Coyle 1981). Microhexura montivaga 
is one of only two species belonging to the genus Microhexura in the 
family Dipluridae (Coyle 1981; Harp 1991, 1992). The other species in 
the genus, M. idahoana, occurs only in the Pacific Northwest (Coyle 
1981). Diplurids belong in the primitive suborder Mygalomorphae, which 
are often popularly referred to as ``tarantulas'' (Harp 1991, 1992). 
The genus Microhexura is the northernmost representative of the family 
Dipluridae and is also one of the smallest of the mygalomorph spiders, 
with adults measuring only 3.0 to 5.6 millimeters (roughly \1/4\ to \7/
16\ inch) (Coyle 1981). Coloration of M. montivaga ranges from light 
brown to a darker reddish brown, and there are no markings on the 
abdomen (Harp 1992). The carapace is generally yellowish brown (Harp 
1992). The most reliable field identification characteristics for the 
spruce-fir moss spider are a pair of very long posterior spinnerets and 
the presence of a second pair of book lungs, which appear as light 
patches posterior to the genital furrow (Harp 1992).
    The typical habitat of the spruce-fir moss spider is found in well-
drained moss (and liverwort) mats growing on rocks or boulders, in 
well-shaded situations in mature, high-elevation Fraser fir (Abies 
fraseri) and red spruce (Picea rubens) forests (Coyle 1981, Harp 1992). 
The moss mats cannot be too dry (the species is very sensitive to 
desiccation) or too wet (large drops of water can also pose a threat to 
the spider) (Harp 1992). The spider constructs its tube-shaped webs in 
the interface between the moss mat and rock surface (Coyle 1981, Harp 
1992), though occasionally the web extends into the interior of the 
moss mat (Harp 1992). The tubes are thin-walled and typically broad and 
flattened with short side branches (Coyle 1981, Harp 1992). There is no 
record of prey having been found in the webs of the spruce-fir moss 
spider nor has the species been observed taking prey in the wild, but 
the abundant springtails (collembolans) in the moss mats provide the 
most likely source of food for the spider (Coyle 1981, Harp 1992).
    Males of the species mature during September and October, and 
females are known to lay eggs in June. The egg sac is thin-walled and 
nearly transparent, and it may contain seven to nine eggs. The female 
remains with the egg sac and, if disturbed, will carry the egg sac with 
her fangs. Spiderlings emerge in September (Coyle 1981). The means of 
dispersal of the spiderlings from the parental moss mat is not known, 
but ``ballooning,'' a process by which the spiders use a sheet of silk 
played out into the wind to carry them into the air, has been suggested 
as a possible means of long-range dispersal (Harp 1992). The life span 
of the species is also unknown, but Coyle (1981) estimated that it may 
take 4 years for the species to reach maturity.
    From 1989 through 1992, status surveys were conducted for the 
spruce-fir moss spider (Harp 1991, 1992). Based on the results of these 
surveys, the spider is presently known to exist at only four 
locations--three sites in North Carolina and one in Tennessee. Of the 
four remaining populations, only one appears to be relatively stable. 
This population is located along the Avery/Caldwell County line in 
North Carolina. The other two populations in North Carolina are located 
in Swain County. Both of these Swain County populations are extremely 
small, with only one spruce-fir moss spider having been found at each 
of these two sites in recent years (Harp 1991, 1992). The spruce-fir 
forests at these two Swain County sites are rapidly declining. The 
Tennessee population is located in Sevier County. This population was 
considered healthy in 1989 but is currently believed to be declining in 
numbers and is endangered by habitat loss/alteration (Harp 1992). The 
high-elevation spruce-fir forests throughout much of the species' 
historic range are being decimated by the balsam wooly adelgid (Adelges 
piceae), an exotic insect pest, and possibly by air pollution (acid 
precipitation) and other factors not yet fully understood. The death 
and thinning of the forest canopy results in locally drastic changes in 
microclimate, including increased temperatures and decreased moisture 
leading to desiccation of the moss mats on which the spruce-fir moss 
spider, and possibly its prey base, depend for survival.
    The spruce-fir moss spider is not included in the Service's notice 
of review for animal candidates published in the Federal Register of 
November 21, 1991 (56 FR 58804). However, because of concerns expressed 
by some individuals for the spider's status, the Service contracted in 
1990 for a survey of both historic and potential habitat of the 
species. The results of the survey, which was completed in 1992, 
indicate that the spider is undergoing a rapid decline in distribution. 
Presently only one relatively stable population is known to survive, 
and while currently considered to be healthy, this population is 
potentially threatened by the same factors that are believed to have 
resulted in the decline and/or extirpation of the species elsewhere 
within its historic range.
    Species appearing in the candidate notices of review are assigned 
to either category 1, 2 or 3. In conjunction with the current proposed 
rule, the Service has approved the spruce-fir moss spider as a category 
1 candidate. Category 1 represents those species for which the Service 
has enough substantial information on biological vulnerability and 
threats to support proposals to list them as endangered or threatened 
species.
    The Service has met and been in contact with various Federal and 
State agency personnel and private individuals knowledgeable about the 
species concerning its status and the need for the protection provided 
by the Act. On December 31, 1992, the Service notified appropriate 
Federal, State, and local government agencies and landowners, in 
writing, that a status review was being conducted and that the species 
might be proposed for Federal listing. A total of ten written comments 
were received. The National Park Service, the North Carolina Division 
of Parks and Recreation, and three private individuals (including the 
owner of the site containing the Avery/Caldwell County, North Carolina, 
population) expressed strong support for the potential listing of the 
spruce-fir moss spider as an endangered species. The U.S. Soil 
Conservation Service, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee 
Department of Environment and Conservation, Tennessee Valley Authority, 
and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture stated that they had 
no new or additional information on the species or threats to its 
continued existence. No negative comments were received.

Summary of Factors Affecting the Species

    Section 4(a)(1) of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq.) and regulations (50 CFR part 424) promulgated to implement the 
listing provisions of the Act set forth the procedures for adding 
species to the Federal lists. A species may be determined to be an 
endangered or threatened species due to one or more of the five factors 
described in Section 4(a)(1). These factors and their application to 
the spruce-fir moss spider (Microhexura montivaga) are as follows:

A. The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment 
of Its Habitat or Range

    The spruce-fir moss spider is known to be endemic only to high-
elevation spruce-fir forests of western North Carolina and eastern 
Tennessee. Historically, the species has been reported from four sites 
in North Carolina and one in Tennessee. In North Carolina the species 
has been recorded from two sites in Swain County, one in Yancey County, 
and one in Avery and Caldwell Counties (Coyle 1981, Harp 1992). In 
Tennessee, the species is known from only one site in Sevier County 
(Coyle 1981).
    During 1989 and through 1992, both historic and potential habitat 
of the species was surveyed (Harp 1991, 1992). No new populations of 
the spruce-fir moss spider were discovered, and of the five previously 
recorded populations, only one--the Avery and Caldwell County, North 
Carolina, population--appears to be stable (Harp 1992).
    The Yancey County, North Carolina, population appears to have been 
extirpated, and only a single individual could be found at each of the 
two sites in Swain County, North Carolina (Harp 1992). The population 
in Sevier County, Tennessee, was surveyed in 1989 and was considered to 
be relatively healthy at that time (Harp 1991). However, revisits to 
this site in 1992 indicated the population level is declining, 
apparently in conjunction with a rapid decline in the forest canopy 
occurring at the site and associated desiccation of moss-mat habitat 
(Harp 1992).
    The spruce-fir moss spider is very sensitive to desiccation and 
requires situations of high and constant humidity (Coyle 1981; Harp 
1991, 1992). Loss of forest canopy leading to increased light and 
decreased moisture on the forest floor (resulting in desiccation of the 
moss mats) appears to be the major cause for the loss and decline of 
the spruce-fir moss spider at all four of these sites and the major 
threat to the species' continued existence. In a 1991 letter to Keith 
Langdon (National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains National Park), 
Dr. Frederick Coyle (Western Carolina University) indicated that the 
spruce-fir moss spider was common at one of the sites in Swain County, 
North Carolina, as late as 1983 but was extremely rare by 1988. In his 
letter to Keith Langdon, Dr. Coyle stated that many of the moss mats at 
this site had become dry and loose, which he suspected was due largely 
to deterioration of the forest canopy at the site. Fraser firs at all 
four of these sites (the Swain and Yancey County sites in North 
Carolina and the Sevier County, Tennessee, site) have suffered 
extensive mortality, believed to be primarily due to infestation by the 
balsam wooly adelgid (J. Harp, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, personal 
communication, 1993), a nonnative insect pest believed to have been 
introduced into the United States from Europe (Eager 1984).
    Atmospheric deposition of pollutants, primarily affecting the red 
spruce (Harp 1992), may also be a major factor (either directly or 
indirectly) in the decline of the forest canopy at these sites. It has 
been estimated that the red spruce at the site in Yancey County, North 
Carolina, where the species is now believed to be extirpated, have lost 
75 to 90 percent of their foliage (Krahl-Urban et al. 1988), possibly 
due to acid precipitation. The death and thinning of the canopy trees 
within these stands also cause the remaining trees to be more 
susceptible to wind and other storm damage, which has become a major 
concern at the Sevier County, Tennessee, site (J. Harp, personal 
communication 1992).
    The spruce-fir forest at the site harboring the Avery/Caldwell 
County, North Carolina, population of the spruce-fir moss spider has 
not experienced the degree of decline that has occurred (and is 
occurring) at the other sites known to support (or to have supported) 
populations of the spider. However, the same factors that are believed 
to have resulted in the decline of the spruce-fir forest and the 
associated loss of suitable moss-mat habitat at these other sites 
potentially threaten this population and its habitat at this site as 
well.

B. Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or 
Educational Purposes

    The spruce-fir moss spider is not currently known to be 
commercially valuable; however, because of its extreme rarity and 
uniqueness, it is conceivable that it could be sought by collectors. It 
is one of only two members of the genus Microhexura, it is the only 
representative of the primitive family Dipluridae in eastern North 
America, and it is one of the smallest of the world's ``tarantulas.'' 
While collecting or other intentional take is not presently identified 
as a factor contributing to the species' decline, the low numbers, slow 
reproductive rate, and extremely restricted range of the spruce-fir 
moss spider make it unlikely that the species could withstand even 
moderate collecting pressure.

C. Disease or Predation

    It is presently unknown whether disease or predation have played a 
role in the decline of the spruce-fir moss spider. Further research is 
needed in this area. While predation is not thought to be a significant 
threat to a healthy population of the spruce-fir moss spider, it could 
limit the recovery of the species or contribute to the local 
extirpation of populations already depleted by other factors. Possible 
predators of the spruce-fir moss spider include pseudoscorpions, 
centipedes, and other spiders (Harp 1992).

D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms

    Neither the State of North Carolina nor the State of Tennessee 
include arachnids on their lists of endangered and threatened species; 
therefore, the species is unprotected in both States. Federal listing 
would provide protection for the spruce-fir moss spider throughout its 
range by requiring Federal permits to take the species and by requiring 
Federal agencies to consult with the Service when activities they fund, 
authorize, or carry out may affect the species.

E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting its Continued Existence

    Only one of the four remaining populations of this species appears 
stable. The other three surviving populations are extremely small, and 
all four populations are geographically isolated from one another. 
Therefore, the long-term genetic viability of these populations is in 
doubt. Also, the restricted range of each of the surviving populations 
makes them extremely vulnerable to extirpation from a single event or 
activity, such as a severe storm, fire, land-clearing or timbering 
operation, pesticide/herbicide application, etc. Because they are 
isolated from one another, natural repopulation of an extirpated 
population would be unlikely without human intervention.
    The Service has carefully assessed the best scientific and 
commercial information available regarding the past, present, and 
future threats faced by this species in determining to propose this 
rule. Based on this evaluation, the preferred action is to list the 
spruce-fir moss spider (Microhexura montivaga) as an endangered 
species. The species has been greatly reduced in numbers throughout the 
majority of its historic range and presently is known to occur at only 
four locations. At two of these locations, only lone individuals--one 
at each location--have been observed in recent years; at a third 
location the species has undergone a rapid decline in numbers and is 
endangered by further habitat degradation/alteration. Only one of the 
remaining populations appears to be stable at this time, and it is 
potentially threatened by many of the same factors that are believed to 
have resulted in the extirpation or decline of the other historically 
known populations. Due to the species' history of population loss and 
decline and the extreme vulnerability of the surviving populations, 
endangered status appears to be appropriate for this species. Critical 
habitat is not being proposed for this species at this time for the 
reasons discussed below.

Critical Habitat

    Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as amended, requires that, to the 
maximum extent prudent and determinable, the Secretary propose any 
habitat of a species that is considered to be critical at the time the 
species is proposed to be endangered or threatened. The Service's 
regulations [50 CFR 424.12(a)(1)] state that designation of critical 
habitat is not prudent when one or both of the following situations 
exist: (1) The species is threatened by taking or other activity and 
the identification of critical habitat can be expected to increase the 
degree of threat to the species or (2) such designation of critical 
habitat would not be beneficial to the species. The Service finds that 
designation of critical habitat is not prudent for this species. Such a 
determination would result in no known benefit to the spruce-fir moss 
spider, and designation of critical habitat could further threaten the 
species.
    Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act requires that Federal 
agencies insure that their actions are not likely to jeopardize the 
continued existence of listed species, or result in the destruction or 
adverse modification of critical habitat. (See the ``Available 
Conservation Measures'' section for a further discussion of Section 7.) 
As part of the development of this proposed rule, Federal and State 
agencies were notified of the spider's general distribution, and they 
were requested to provide data on proposed Federal actions that might 
adversely affect the species. No specific projects were identified. 
Should any future projects be proposed in areas inhabited by the 
spruce-fir moss spider, the involved Federal agency will already have 
the general distribution data needed to determine if the species may be 
impacted by their action. If needed, more specific distribution 
information would be provided.
    Three of the four surviving populations of the spruce fir moss 
spider are considered to be extremely small, and suitable habitat at 
each of the four sites still supporting the species is very limited. 
The precarious status of the species means that any Federal action with 
the potential to result in significant adverse modification or 
destruction of the species' habitat would also likely jeopardize its 
continued existence. Under these conditions, no additional protection 
for the spruce-fir moss spider would accrue from critical habitat 
designation that would not also accrue from listing the species. 
Consequently, when listed, habitat protection for the spruce-fir moss 
spider will be accomplished through the Section 7 jeopardy standard and 
Section 9 prohibitions against take.
    In addition, the spruce-fir moss spider is very rare and unique, 
and taking for scientific purposes and private collection could pose a 
threat if specific site information was released. The publication of 
critical habitat maps in the Federal Register, local newspapers, and 
other publicity accompanying critical habitat designation could 
increase the collection threat. The locations of populations of these 
species have consequently been described only in general terms in this 
proposed rule. Any existing precise locality data would be available to 
appropriate Federal, State, and local government agencies from the 
Service office described in the ``ADDRESSES'' section; from the 
Service's Raleigh Field Office, P.O. Box 33726, Raleigh, North Carolina 
27636-3726; the Service's Cookeville Field Office, 446 Neal Street, 
Cookeville, Tennessee 38501; and from the North Carolina Wildlife 
Resources Agency, North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Tennessee 
Wildlife Resources Agency, and Tennessee Department of Environment and 
Conservation.

Available Conservation Measures

    Conservation measures provided to species listed as endangered or 
threatened under the Act include recognition, recovery actions, 
requirements for Federal protection, and prohibitions against certain 
practices. Recognition through listing encourages and results in 
conservation actions by Federal, State, and private agencies, groups, 
and individuals. The Act provides for possible land acquisition and 
cooperation with the States and requires that recovery actions be 
carried out for all listed species. The protection required of Federal 
agencies and the prohibitions against taking and harm are discussed, in 
part, below.
    Section 7(a) of the Act requires Federal agencies to evaluate their 
actions with respect to any species that is proposed or listed as 
endangered or threatened and with respect to its critical habitat, if 
any is being designated. Regulations implementing this interagency 
cooperation provision of the Act are codified at 50 CFR Part 402. 
Section 7(a)(4) requires Federal agencies to confer informally with the 
Service on any action that is likely to jeopardize the continued 
existence of a proposed species or result in the destruction or adverse 
modification of proposed critical habitat. If a species is subsequently 
listed, Section 7(a)(2) of the Act requires Federal agencies to ensure 
that activities they authorize, fund, or carry out are not likely to 
jeopardize the continued existence of such a species or to destroy or 
adversely modify its critical habitat. If a Federal action may affect a 
listed species or its critical habitat, the responsible Federal agency 
must enter into consultation with the Service. The Service has notified 
Federal agencies that may have programs which could affect the species. 
Federal activities that could occur and impact the species include, but 
are not limited to, the carrying out or issuance of permits for 
construction, recreation or development actions that could result in 
the loss or thinning of the high-elevation forest canopy, and pesticide 
or herbicide applications for the control of noxious insects or weeds. 
It has been the experience of the Service, however, that nearly all 
Section 7 consultations have been resolved so that the species has been 
protected and the project objectives have been met.
    The Act and implementing regulations found at 50 CFR 17.21 set 
forth a series of general prohibitions and exceptions that apply to all 
endangered wildlife. These prohibitions, in part, make it illegal for 
any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to take 
(includes harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, or 
collect; or to attempt any of these), import or export, ship in 
interstate commerce in the course of commercial activity, or sell or 
offer for sale in interstate or foreign commerce any listed species. It 
also is illegal to possess, sell, deliver, carry, transport, or ship 
any such wildlife that has been taken illegally. Certain exceptions 
apply to agents of the Service and State conservation agencies.
    Permits may be issued to carry out otherwise prohibited activities 
involving endangered wildlife species under certain circumstances. 
Regulations governing permits are at 50 CFR 17.22 and 17.23. Such 
permits are available for scientific purposes to enhance the 
propagation or survival of the species and/or for incidental take in 
connection with otherwise lawful activities. In some instances, permits 
may be issued during a specified period of time to relieve any undue 
economic hardship that would be suffered if such relief were not 
available. Such permits are not expected for the spruce-fir moss spider 
since the species is not in trade.

Public Comments Solicited

    The Service intends that any final action resulting from this 
proposal will be as accurate and as effective as possible. Therefore, 
comments or suggestions from the public, other concerned government 
agencies, the scientific community, industry, or any other interested 
party concerning this proposed rule are hereby solicited. Comments 
particularly are sought concerning:
    (1) Biological, commercial trade, or other relevant data concerning 
any threat (or lack thereof) to this species;
    (2) The location of any additional populations of this species and 
the reasons why any habitat should or should not be determined to be 
critical habitat as provided by Section 4 of the Act;
    (3) Additional information concerning the range, distribution, and 
population size of this species; and
    (4) Current or planned activities in the subject area and their 
possible impacts on this species.
    Final promulgation of the regulation on the spruce-fir moss spider 
will take into consideration the comments and any additional 
information received by the Service, and such communications may lead 
to a final regulation that differs from this proposal.
    The Endangered Species Act provides for a public hearing on this 
proposal, if requested. Requests must be received within 45 days of the 
date of publication of the proposal. Such requests must be made in 
writing and should be addressed to the Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, Asheville Field Office, 330 Ridgefield Court, 
Asheville, North Carolina 28806.

National Environmental Policy Act

    The Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that an Environmental 
Assessment, as defined under the authority of the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, need not be prepared in connection 
with regulations adopted pursuant to Section 4(a) of the Act. A notice 
outlining the Service's reasons for this determination was published in 
the Federal Register on October 25, 1983 (48 FR 49244).

References Cited

Coyle, F. A. 1981. The Mygalomorph Genus Microhexura (Araneae, 
Dipluridae). Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist. 170:64-75.
Crosby, C. R., and S. C. Bishop. 1925. Two New Spiders From the Blue 
Ridge Mountains of North Carolina (Araneina). Ent. News. 36:142-146, 
Figures 1 and 2.
Eager, C. 1984. Review of the Biology and Ecology of the Balsam 
Wooly Aphid in Southern Appalachian Spruce-fir Forests. IN: P.S. 
White (ed.), The Southern Appalachian Spruce-Fir Ecosystem: Its 
Biology and Threats. Research/Resources Management Report SER-71. 
U.S. Dept. of Interior, National Park Service.
Harp, J. M. 1991. Status of the Spruce-fir Moss Spider, Microhexura 
montivaga Crosby and Bishop, in the Great Smoky Mountains National 
Park. Unpubl. report to the National Park Service, U.S. Department 
of the Interior. 12 pp. plus appendix.
________. 1992. A Status Survey of the Spruce-fir Moss Spider, 
Microhexura montivaga Crosby and Bishop (Araneae, Dipluridae). 
Unpubl. report to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, 
Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program, and the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, Asheville, North Carolina. 30 pp.
Krahl-Urban, B., H.E. Papke, K. Peters, and C. Shimanski. 1988. 
Forest Decline. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and German 
Ministry of Research and Technology, 137 pp.

Author

    The primary author of this proposed rule is John A. Fridell, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, Asheville Field Office, 330 Ridgefield 
Court, Asheville, North Carolina 28806 (704/665-1195, Ext. 225).

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

    Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, and Transportation.

Proposed Regulation Promulgation

    Accordingly, the Service hereby proposes to amend part 17, 
subchapter B of chapter I, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, 
as set forth below:

PART 17--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544; 16 U.S.C. 
4201-4245; Public Law 99-625, 100 Stat. 3500; unless otherwise 
noted.

    2. Sec. 17.11(h) is amended by adding the following, in 
alphabetical order, under ARACHNIDS, to the List of Endangered and 
Threatened Wildlife, to read as follows:


Sec. 17.11  Endangered and threatened wildlife.

* * * * *
    (h) * * * 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Species                                            Vertebrate population                                                            
-----------------------------------------------     Historic range      where endangered or     Status      When listed      Critical      Special rules
      Common name           Scientific name                                  threatened                                       habitat                   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Arachnids                                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                      * * * * * * *                                                                     
Spider, spruce-fir      Microhexura montivaga.  U.S.A. (NC, TN)......  NA...................  E           ..............              NA              NA
 moss.                                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                      * * * * * * *                                                                     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Dated: November 23, 1993.
Richard N. Smith,
Acting Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 94-1700 Filed 1-26-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P