[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 224 (Tuesday, November 22, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-28741]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: November 22, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 17
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day and 12-
Month Findings for Eleven Petitions to List Three Blind Harvestmen,
Three Micro-blind Harvestmen, One Spider, Two Butterflies, One Moth,
Two Crickets, Three Katydids, and Five Grasshoppers
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of petition findings.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announces
negative 90-day and 12-month findings on 11 petitions to list 20
invertebrates under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended.
After careful assessment of the best scientific and commercial
information available regarding the present and future threats facing
the petitioned species, the Service either finds that the petitioners
have not presented substantial information indicating the requested
actions may be warranted (90-day finding) or determines that the
petitioned action is not warranted at this time (12-month finding).
DATES: These findings announced in this notice were made on November 3,
1994. Comments and materials related to these petition findings may be
submitted to the Field Supervisor at the address below until further
notice.
ADDRESSES: Comments, questions, or information concerning the status of
the petitioned species should be submitted to the Field Supervisor,
Sacramento Field Office, Fish and Wildlife Service, 2800 Cottage Way,
Room E-1823, Sacramento, California, 95825-1846. The petitions,
finding, supporting data, and comments are available for public
inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the above
address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris Nagano at the above address or
at 916/978-4866.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Section 4(b)(3)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (16 U.S.C. 1533 et seq.), requires that the Service make a
finding on whether a petition to list, delist, or reclassify a species
presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating
the petitioned action may be warranted. To the maximum extent
practicable, this finding is to be made within 90 days of the receipt
of the petition, and the finding is to be published promptly in the
Federal Register. If the Service finds that a petition presents
substantial information indicating the requested action may be
warranted, then the Service initiates a status review on that species.
Section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act requires that for any petition that
presents substantial scientific and commercial information, a finding
be made within 12 months of the date of receipt of the petition on
whether the petitioned action is (a) not warranted, (b) warranted, or
(c) warranted but precluded from immediate proposal by other pending
proposals to list, delist, or reclassify species. Such 12-month
findings are to be published promptly in the Federal Register.
The Service has made negative 90-day findings on 7 of the 11
petitions to list 16 invertebrates; the Marin blind harvestman, Anza
Borrego blind harvestman, Silver Creek blind harvestman, Ross micro-
blind harvestman, Ubick's gnaphosid spider, unsilvered fritillary
butterfly, Jacalitos jerusalem cricket, Berkeley ground cricket,
Jacalitos shield-backed katydid, splendid shield-backed katydid,
Antioch shield-backed katydid, San Bernardino Mountains grasshopper,
Lompoc grasshopper, Santa Monica Mountains grasshopper, Central Valley
grasshopper, and Mexicali lubber grasshopper. The Service finds that
the petitioners have not presented substantial information indicating
the requested actions for these 16 taxa may be warranted. In addition,
the Service has made negative 12-month findings on 4 of the 11
petitions for 4 invertebrates; the Fairmont micro-blind harvestman,
Edgewood Park micro-blind harvestman, Yontocket ringlet butterfly, and
Opler's longhorn moth. The Service has been assessing the status of
these four taxa since their designation as category 2 candidates.
Minimal new information was received or available to the Service beyond
that used to assign these invertebrates to category 2. As a result, the
Service determines that the petitioned action is not warranted at this
time. These four taxa will be retained in category 2.
On July 6, 1989, the Service received a petition from Dr. Thomas
Briggs of the California Academy of Sciences to list the Marin blind
harvestman (Calicina diminua) as an endangered species. The letter,
dated July 6, 1989, was clearly identified as a petition and contained
the name, signature, institutional affiliation, and address of the
petitioner.
The petition stated that the Marin blind harvestman is known only
from a portion of Burdell Mountain in Marin County, California. This
species was described from 18 specimens collected under rocks in
serpentine grassland at this location (Ubick and Briggs 1989). The
threat cited by the petitioner is the construction of the Buck Center
for Research on Aging. The proposed project includes the designation of
a 300-acre conservation area and a 188-acre development area. The
proposed activities include a research center, a residential area,
parking lots, and roadways. The Marin blind harvestman is only known
from three locations, two occurring on the proposed Buck Center for
Research on Aging site (EIP Associates 1992). Based on an analysis of
the draft environmental impact report for the proposed project, one of
two serpentine rock outcrops containing the species would be damaged or
lost (EIP Associates 1992, Western Ecological Services Company 1990).
The extent of adequate surveys for this species that have been
conducted in suitable habitats in Marin County is not clear. A map
displaying the geological features of Burdell Mountain and adjacent
areas was also examined in conjunction with this review. The 1:250,000
geological base map for the Santa Rosa Quadrangle (California Division
of Mines and Geology 1980) reveals other serpentine outcrops within the
general vicinity of Burdell Mountain. Some of these outcrops appear to
provide approximately the same combination of geographic features as
the known habitats on Burdell Mountain. The petition and supporting
documentation indicate that adequate surveys of these other potential
habitats were not conducted for the Marin blind harvestman. Moreover,
because the petition did not present information on whether the Marin
blind harvestman may be declining, additional adequate surveys are
needed to assess its distribution and population status. Beyond the
information described above, the petitioner presented few data on the
status of the animal. Therefore, the Service determines that the
petitioner did not present substantial information that the requested
action may be warranted.
On July 17, 1990, the Service received a petition from Briggs and
Mr. Darrell Ubick of the California Academy of Sciences to list the
Anza Borrego blind harvestman (Sitalcina borregoensis) as an endangered
or threatened species. The letter, dated July 14, 1990, was clearly
identified as a petition and contained the names, signatures,
institutional affiliation, and address of the petitioners.
According to the petition, the Anza Borrego blind harvestman is
known only from an isolated palm grove at Mountain Palm Springs, a
canyon in Anza Borrego State Park in San Diego County, California.
Within this site, the petitioners reported that harvestmen have been
found only at a ``few moist spots near the palm trees.'' They stated
the animal could be harmed by any development at this location.
Mountain Palm Springs is an unimproved campground that is regularly
patrolled by park rangers (Bill Tippets and Mark Jorgensen, California
Department of Parks and Recreation, pers. comm., November 16, 1990).
Off-road vehicle use, which has caused extensive habitat destruction in
other areas of the southwestern United States, is not a problem at this
location (Mark Jorgensen, ibid.). Six palm (Washingtonia filifera)
groves occur in the immediate vicinity of the campground and 25 palm
groves exist in Anza Borrego State Park, of which, five are located
within 10 miles of Mountain Palm Springs. The petitioners did not
indicate if surveys had been conducted at any of these other similar
habitats. Moreover, because the petition did not present information on
whether the Anza Borrego blind harvestman may be declining, additional
adequate surveys are needed to assess its distribution and population
status. Beyond the information described above, the petitioner
presented few data on the status of the animal. Therefore, the Service
determines that the petitioners did not present substantial information
that the requested action may be warranted.
On July 17, 1990, the Service received a petition from Briggs and
Ubick to list the Silver Creek blind harvestman (Calicina jungi) as an
endangered or threatened species. The letter, dated July 14, 1990, was
clearly identified as a petition and contained the names, signatures,
institutional affiliation, and address of the petitioners.
The petition stated that the Silver Creek blind harvestman is known
only from rocky serpentine grassland, 0.9 miles southeast of the
junction of Silver Creek and San Felipe Roads, near San Jose in Santa
Clara County, California. The petitioners noted that urban development
imperils this species and a pipeline was laid through its habitat on or
before 1990. In a letter dated January 13, 1990, the petitioners stated
they had searched for blind harvestmen and micro-blind harvestmen in
the vicinity of Silver Creek and Metcalf Canyon Roads in the San Jose
area during 4 days in 1966 and 1 day in 1983. The petition and
supporting documentation indicate that the surveys of these other
potential habitats for the Silver Creek blind harvestman were
inadequate. Though the Silver Creek blind harvestman may be declining,
additional adequate surveys are needed to assess its distribution.
Beyond the information described above, the petitioner presented few
data on the status of the animal. Therefore, the Service determines
that the petitioners did not present substantial information that the
requested action may be warranted.
On October 31, 1989, the Service received a petition from Briggs to
list the Fairmont micro-blind harvestman (Microcina lumi) as an
endangered species. The letter, dated October 26, 1989, was clearly
identified as a petition and contained the name, signature,
institutional affiliation, and address of the petitioner. The Fairmont
micro-blind harvestman was designated a category 2 candidate species on
November 21, 1991 (56 FR 58804).
The petitioner stated that the known distribution of the Fairmont
micro-blind harvestman is limited to two serpentine outcrops on
Fairmont Ridge, near the City of San Leandro in Alameda County,
California. The petitioner stated that all other suitable habitats in
this area have been searched without success. A proposed housing
development and overgrazing by livestock were cited as the basis for
the requested action. The Service reviewed the petition and supporting
documents, including a scientific paper describing the genus Microcina
and the species M. lumi (Briggs and Ubick 1989) and a map displaying
the geological features of Fairmont Ridge and adjacent areas. This map,
a 1:250,000 geological base map for the San Francisco quadrangle
(California Division of Mines and Geology 1980), reveals other
serpentine outcrops within the general vicinity of Fairmont Ridge. Some
of these outcrops appear to provide approximately the same combination
of geographic features as the known habitats on Fairmont Ridge. Though
urban development and grazing remain a threat in the species' known
habitat, other potential habitats remain unsurveyed for the Fairmont
micro-blind harvestman. Moreover, no new information was received or
available to the Service beyond that used to assign this species to
category 2. As a result, the Service has carefully assessed the best
scientific and commercial information available regarding the present
and future threats facing the Fairmont micro-blind harvestman and
determines that the petitioned action is not warranted at this time.
On March 22, 1990, the Service received a petition from Briggs and
Ubick to list the Edgewood Park micro-blind harvestman (Microcina
edgewoodensis) as an endangered species. The letter, dated March 20,
1990, was clearly identified as a petition and contained the names,
signatures, institutional affiliation, and address of the petitioners.
The Edgewood Park micro-blind harvestman was designated a category 2
candidate species on November 21, 1991 (56 FR 58804).
According to the petitioners, the Edgewood Park micro-blind
harvestman is known only from Edgewood County Park and a site west of
Interstate Highway 280 in San Mateo County, California known as the
``Triangle'' (these two localities were cited as three sites in the
petition). This species was described from three male specimens
collected at these two locations (Briggs and Ubick 1989). The animals
were found beneath rocks in serpentine grassland adjacent to scrub
oaks. The threat cited by the petitioners is unspecified development at
the Triangle. The Service is not aware of any development currently
proposed for this specific area. In addition, serpentine grassland in
this area is being protected due to the presence of the threatened bay
checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha bayensis). A study
commissioned by the County of San Mateo determined that it is not
feasible to construct a golf course at Edgewood County Park (Thomas
Reid Associates 1993). The County of San Mateo has designated Edgewood
County Park as natural open space (Barrales and Huening 1993, San Mateo
County Board of Supervisors 1993). In light of the above discussion and
because no new information was received or available to the Service
beyond that used to assign this species to category 2, the Service has
carefully assessed the best scientific and commercial information
available regarding the present and future threats facing the Edgewood
micro-blind harvestman and determines that the petitioned action is not
warranted at this time.
On December 3, 1991, the Service received a petition from Briggs to
list the Ross micro-blind harvestman (Microcina sp.) as an endangered
species. The letter, dated November 27, 1991, was clearly identified as
a petition and contained the name, signature, institutional
affiliation, and address of the petitioner.
The petition reported the Ross micro-blind harvestman is known only
from specimens collected in February 1991 on a portion of Bald Hill in
Ross, Marin County, California. The petitioner, a blind harvestmen
specialist, stated that this is a valid species based on morphological
characters. This undescribed species was collected under sandstone
rocks in a grassland-oak and bay woodland ecotone directly east of the
summit of Bald Hill at an elevation of 880 feet. The petitioner cited a
proposed residential development as the threat to the Ross micro-blind
harvestman. A residential development had been proposed for this site
and a final environmental impact report was certified by the Ross
Planning Commission (Gary Broad, Ross Planning Department, pers. comm.,
1993). However, the project was denied by the City Council and court
challenges by the project proponent were unsuccessful. Projects may be
proposed for this location in the future but none have been made to
date. As a result, the Service considers such threats to the Ross
micro-blind harvestman to be of low magnitude and non-imminent. Because
the petition did not present information on whether the Ross micro-
blind harvestman may be declining or located elsewhere, additional
adequate surveys are needed to assess its distribution and population
status. Beyond the information described above, the petitioner
presented few data on the status of the animal. Therefore, the Service
determines that the petitioner did not present substantial information
that the requested action may be warranted.
On December 11, 1992, the Service received a petition from Ubick to
list Ubick's gnaphosid spider (Talanites ubicki) as a threatened or
endangered species. The letter, dated November 29, 1992, was clearly
identified as a petition and contained the name, signature,
institutional affiliation, address, and telephone number of the
petitioner.
The petition stated that Ubick's gnaphosid spider is only known
from a single locality on the southern slope of Burdell Mountain in
Novato, Marin County, California (Platnick and Ovtsharenko 1991). The
habitat at the site consists of serpentine grassland. Gnaphosids are
small, hunting spiders that construct a tubular retreat under stones
and in debris and hunt at night from this location (Borror et al. 1976;
Jones 1983). The petitioner cited urban development as the threat to
this species and stated that part of the locality inhabited by Ubick's
gnaphosid spider has been destroyed by a road that was constructed a
few years ago. The proposed project, the Buck Center for Research on
Aging, includes the designation of a 300-acre conservation area and a
188-acre development area. Proposed activities include a research
center, a residential area, parking lots, and roadways. The information
provided by the petitioner indicates that the remaining portions of the
serpentine rock outcrops inhabited by Ubick's gnaphosid spider are
located within the conservation area. The petition from Ubick did not
indicate if adequate surveys had been conducted at other similar
habitats in the area. Beyond the information described above, the
petitioner presented few data on the status of the animal. Therefore,
the Service determines that the petitioner did not present substantial
information that the requested action may be warranted.
Ms. Katrin Snow of the Xerces Society in Portland, Oregon,
petitioned the Service to list Opler's longhorn moth as an endangered
species in a letter dated December 19, 1990, which was received on
January 14, 1991. The letter, dated December 19, 1990, was clearly
identified as a petition and contained the name, signature,
institutional affiliation, address, and telephone number of the
petitioner. Opler's longhorn moth was placed in category 2 on November
21, 1991 (56 FR 58804).
Opler's longhorn moth is a member of the longhorn moth family, the
Adelidae (Davis 1987, Powell 1969). It is a small, dark bronze colored,
day flying moth with long antennae. The adults have a wingspan ranging
from approximately 9 to 14 millimeters. Opler's longhorn moth is
recorded from 18 sites extending along the west side of the San
Francisco Bay from 5 miles southeast of Nicasio in Marin County south
to the Gilroy area of Santa Clara County and from the Oakland area on
the inner Coast Ranges. A single population is known from central Santa
Cruz County. Excepting the Santa Cruz County locality that consists of
a grassland habitat derived from marine sand deposits, Opler's longhorn
moth is restricted to sites within serpentine grassland. The extent of
survey efforts that have been conducted in suitable habitat in the San
Francisco Bay area is unclear. At least 13 areas with serpentine soils
within the range of Opler's longhorn moth cover more than 40 acres each
(McCarten 1986, 1987). The larvae of Opler's longhorn moth feeds on
Platystemon californicus (cream cups), a widespread annual plant. In
contrast to other invertebrate groups, such as butterflies and tiger
beetles, whose biology, ecology, and biogeography are well known, few
amateur or professional entomologists collect or study adelid moths and
other microlepidoptera. Though urban development threaten a portion of
the species' range of Opler's longhorn moth, additional status
information (e.g., rangewide surveys) are needed prior to proposing the
species. Moreover, no new information was received or available to the
Service beyond that used to assign this species to category 2. As a
result, the Service has carefully assessed the best scientific and
commercial information available regarding the present and future
threats facing Opler's longhorn moth and determines that the petitioned
action is not warranted at this time.
On January 8, 1990, the Service received a petition from Dr. Dennis
Murphy of the Stanford University Center for Conservation biology to
list the Yontocket ringlet butterfly (Coenonympha tullia yontocket) as
a threatened or endangered species. The petitioner stated that the
insect merits protection under the Act because it is known only from a
single coastal dune locality in Del Norte County, California. The area
is used for target shooting, off-road vehicles, garbage dumping, and
camping, all potentially damaging activities to this population.
Invasive exotic vegetation and potential housing development also
likely imperiled the area. Based on this information, the Service
issued a 90-day finding on November 1, 1991, which found that the
petition presented substantial information indicating that the
requested action may be warranted (55 FR 46801). A status review of the
Yontocket ringlet butterfly was initiated at the same time.
The Yontocket ringlet butterfly was described by Porter and Mattoon
(1989) from 76 specimens collected at several sites extending from Lake
Earl to the mouth of the Smith River in Del Norte County, California.
These sites likely represent a single population. The animal was found
in dunes with coniferous lee slopes and grassy exposed slopes, and
among dunes on slightly elevated ground around seasonally marshy
sphagnum bogs. Sterling Mattoon (in litt., 1991) provided information
regarding the range of the yontocket ringlet butterfly and presented
data showing that the 11 known populations of this species range from
Enderts Beach, 5 miles south of Crescent City, north along the coast to
the mouth of the Pistol River, Curry County, Oregon. A population is
known approximately 0.7 to 2.2 miles inland from the vicinity of the
town of Carpenterville in Curry County. This substantially increases
the number of populations and extends the range of the species
approximately 22 miles north and 15 miles south of its previously known
distribution. The type and degree of threats to these populations were
not stated in the petition and other information available to the
Service. In light of these data gaps, the Service has carefully
assessed the best scientific and commercial information available
regarding the present and future threats facing the yontocket ringlet
butterfly and determines that the petitioned action is not warranted at
this time.
On January 6, 1992, the Service received a petition from Drs.
Dennis Murphy and Alan Launer of the Stanford University Center for
Conservation Biology to list the unsilvered fritillary butterfly
(Speyeria adiaste adiaste) as an endangered or threatened species. The
letter, dated December 31, 1991, was clearly identified as a petition
and contained the names, signatures, institutional affiliation,
address, and telephone number of the petitioners.
The petition stated that the unsilvered fritillary butterfly has
been recorded from San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties
(Sterling Mattoon, pers. comm., 1992; C.D. Nagano, unpub. obs.). This
species is now found primarily in areas along the crest of the Santa
Cruz Mountains or east of the crest in the northern and central areas
of Santa Cruz County (Steiner 1990). The petitioners reported that
recent colonies are known from four general areas in this region. The
biology, ecology, and biogeography of the unsilvered fritillary is not
well known. The foodplant of the larvae, violets (Viola sp.), is found
in fern-dominated grassland glades or wetland areas. A large population
occurs within Big Basin Redwood State Park in Santa Cruz County. The
potential threats include urban development and suppression of fire.
Lack of fire may allow succession to proceed and eliminate suitable
foodplant and larval habitat. Although, the unsilvered fritillary
butterfly may be declining, existing information is not available to
estimate the extent or rate of changes in habitat or population levels.
Further surveys are needed to adequately assess its distribution and
population status. Beyond the information described above, the
petitioner few data presented little else on the status of the animal.
Therefore, the Service determines that the petitioners did not present
substantial information that the requested action may be warranted.
On March 3, 1993, the Service received a petition from David
Weissman to list the Jacalitos Jerusalem cricket (Stenopelmatus
nigrocapitatus), Berkeley ground cricket (Neonemobius eurynotus),
Jacalitos shield-backed katydid (Ateloplus joaquin), splendid shield-
backed katydid (Ateloplus splendidus), Antioch shield-backed katydid
(Neduba extincta), San Bernardino Mountains grasshopper (Trimerotropis
bernardi), Lompoc grasshopper (Trimerotropis occulens), Santa Monica
Mountains grasshopper (Trimerotropis occidentaloides), Central Valley
grasshopper (Conozoa hyalina), and the Mexicali lubber grasshopper
(Spaniacris destricola) as endangered species. The letter, dated
February 28, 1993, was clearly identified as a petition and contained
the name, signature, address, and telephone number of the petitioner.
The petitioned species are characterized by a substantial lack of
information regarding their geographical range, ecological
requirements, and population status. The Natural Diversity Data Base of
the California Department of Fish and Game had no records of any of
these animals.
The petition stated that the Jacalitos Jerusalem cricket is known
from Jacalitos Canyon and the Panoche Hills in Fresno County, and
Kettleman Hills in Kings County. Tinkham and Rentz (1969) reported
records from two localities in Tulare County and three localities in
western Fresno County. The Jacalitos Jerusalem cricket is restricted to
areas containing sandstone and is found primarily under rocks at the
bases of hillsides (Tinkham and Rentz 1969). No data are available on
the specific localities or status of the Jacalitos Jerusalem cricket.
The petitioner stated that the Jacalitos shield-backed katydid is known
from two male specimens. No information was presented on the specific
localities, habitat requirements, or status of the Jacalitos shield-
backed katydid. Oil drilling and livestock grazing were cited as
threats to these two animals. Jacalitos Canyon is included as a
conservation area in the Coalinga Habitat Conservation Plan (Ron
Rempel, California Department of Fish and Game, pers. comm. 1993). No
urban development is proposed or likely in this area because of a lack
of water. Indirect protection for the Jacalitos Jerusalem cricket and
the Jacalitos shield-backed katydid may be provided by the presence of
the endangered San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica) and blunt-
nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia silus) in the area. Beyond the
information described above, the petitioner presented few data on the
status of the animal. Therefore, the Service determines that the
petitioner did not present substantial information that the requested
action may be warranted.
The splendid shield-backed katydid is only known from two
localities, Barstow and 3 miles west of Essex, San Bernardino County,
California. This species has been found in creosote bushes (Rentz and
Birchim 1968). The petitioner stated that a female specimen reported
from the Imperial Valley in Imperial County, California, is apparently
a different species. No information was presented to the Service on the
specific localities, habitat requirements, or population status of this
animal. No threats to this species were cited in the petition or are
otherwise known to the Service. Beyond the information described above,
the petition presented few data on the status of the animal. Therefore,
the Service determines that the petitioner did not present substantial
information that the requested action may be warranted.
The petition and other information available to the Service
indicate that the Berkeley ground cricket is known from four localities
in the San Francisco Bay area of California (Rehn and Hebard 1918,
Weissman and Rentz 1977, Vickery and Weissman 1989). A population is
protected at the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve and another
population is unprotected in a heavily grazed pasture on Stanford
University (Weissman and Rentz 1977). The petitioner stated that
grazing may benefit the species. Beyond the information described
above, the petition presented few data on the status of the animal.
Therefore, the Service determines that the petitioner did not present
substantial information that the requested action may be warranted.
The Antioch shield-backed katydid is known only from a single male
specimen collected in 1937 at the Antioch sand dunes in Contra Costa
County, California (Rentz 1977). Though the dunes historically covered
an estimated 190 acres, only 70 acres remain (United States Fish and
Wildlife Service 1984). The natural habitats in this area have been
adversely effected by industrialization, sand mining, urbanization,
agricultural land conversion, off-road vehicles, wildfire, and other
human impacts. As suggested by its specific epithet, the Antioch
shield-backed katydid is presumed extinct, given the extent of habitat
loss and absence of any observations since 1937. Diligent searches for
this animal have been conducted by numerous professional and amateur
entomologists over a period of several decades but no further
individuals have been located (Powell 1978, Rentz 1977). Conversely, if
the species is still extant on the sand dunes, it likely would be
protected because most of the remaining natural dunes are secured by
the Service's ownership and management of the Antioch Dunes National
Wildlife Refuge. This refuge was created to protect the endangered
Lange's metalmark butterfly (Apodemia mormo langei), Contra Costa
wallflower (Erysimum capitatum ssp. angustatum), and the Antioch Dunes
evening primrose (Oenothera deltoides ssp. howellii). Beyond the
information described above, the petitioner presented few data on the
status of the animal, which is possibly extinct. Therefore, the Service
determines that the petitioner did not present substantial information
that the requested action may be warranted.
The San Bernardino Mountains grasshopper is known only from Vivian
and High Creeks in the San Bernardino Mountains of San Bernardino
County, California (Otte 1984, Rentz and Weissman 1984). The species
inhabits ponderosa pine forest at altitudes of 1820 to 2743 meters
(Rentz and Weissman 1984). Little information is available on the
specific localities, habitat requirements, or status of this species.
No threats to this animal were cited in the petition or are otherwise
known to the Service. Beyond the information described above, the
petition presented few data on the status of the animal. Therefore, the
Service determines that the petitioner did not present substantial
information that the requested action may be warranted.
The Lompoc grasshopper is known from Lompoc in Santa Barbara County
and Paso Robles in San Luis Obispo County during the month of August
(Otte 1984). No data are available to the Service on the specific
localities, habitat requirements, or status of this animal. No threats
to this species were cited in the petition or are otherwise known to
the Service. Therefore, the Service determines that the petitioner did
not present substantial information that the requested action may be
warranted.
The Santa Monica Mountains grasshopper is known only from the
western Santa Monica Mountains in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
This species has been found on bare hillsides and along dirt trails in
chaparral (Rentz and Weissman 1981). The petitioner did not cite any
threats, but noted that two locations inhabited by this species have
been destroyed by development. Little information exists on the habitat
requirements or status of this species. Beyond the information
described above, the petitioner presented few data on the status of the
animal. Therefore, the Service determines that the petitioner did not
present substantial information that the requested action may be
warranted.
The Central Valley grasshopper is known from four localities in the
Central Valley and the Delta region of California (Otte 1984,
Strohecker et al. 1968). The petitioner stated that this species has
not been collected since 1953. The Central Valley grasshopper has been
found on low, dry desert flats during the months of July and August in
the vicinity of Bakersfield, Ceres, and Turlock (Otte 1984). No data
are available to the Service on the specific localities, habitat
requirements, or status of the Central Valley grasshopper. No threats
to this animal were cited in the petition or are otherwise known to the
Service. Therefore, the Service determines that the petitioner did not
present substantial information that the requested action may be
warranted.
The Mexicali lubber grasshopper is known from eastern Riverside and
Imperial counties in California, and Baja California Norte in Mexico.
According to Stohecker et al. (1968) and Helfer (1963), this animal is
an inhabitant of low, silt or dry, sandy desert areas that are subject
to extremely high temperatures. The petitioner did not cite any threats
to this species, however, three populations have been eliminated by
development in 1961 and 1972 (Tinkham 1975). Rehn and Grant (1961) and
Tinkham (1975) provided information on the ecology and some populations
of this animal. No current information is available on the status of
the Mexicali lubber grasshopper. Beyond the information described
above, the petitioner presented few data on the status of the animal.
Therefore, the Service determines that the petitioner did not present
substantial information that the requested action may be warranted.
Petition Findings
After careful assessment of the scientific and commercial
information contained in the petitions, referenced in the petitions,
and otherwise available to the Service at this time, the Service finds
that 7 of the 11 petitions for 16 taxa do not present substantial
information that listing the Marin blind harvestman (Calicina diminua),
Anza Borrego blind harvestman (Sitalcina borregoensis), Silver Creek
blind harvestman (Calicina jungi), Ross micro-blind harvestman
(Microcina sp.), Ubick's gnaphosid spider (Talanites ubicki),
unsilvered fritillary butterfly (Speyeria adiaste adiaste), Jacalitos
jerusalem cricket (Stenopelmatus nigrocapitatus), Berkeley ground
cricket (Neonemobius eurynotus), Jacalitos shield-backed katydid
(Ateloplus joaquin), splendid shield-backed katydid (Ateloplus
splendidus), Antioch shield-backed katydid (Neduba extincta), San
Bernardino Mountains grasshopper (Trimerotropis bernardi), Lompoc
grasshopper (Trimerotropis occulens), Santa Monica Mountains
grasshopper (Trimerotropis occidentaloides), Central Valley grasshopper
(Conozoa hyalina), and Mexicali lubber grasshopper (Spaniacris
destricola) may be warranted. In addition, the Service determines that
the petitioned action is not warranted at this time for 4 of the 11
petitions for four taxa involving the Fairmont micro-blind harvestman
(Microcina lumi), Edgewood Park micro-blind harvestman (Microcina
edgewoodensis), Yontocket ringlet butterfly (Coenonympha tullia
yontocket), and Opler's longhorn moth (Adela oplerella). These four
taxa will be retained in category 2. The Service will continue to
accept information on the status of these 20 species until further
notice. If information becomes available indicating that listing as
endangered or threatened is appropriate, the Service would propose to
list any such species.
References Cited
A complete list of all references cited herein, as well as others,
is available upon request from the office listed in the ADDRESSES
section above.
Author
The primary author of this notice is Chris Nagano and Karen Miller
(Sacramento Field Office), Art Davenport (Carlsbad Field Office), and
Judy Hohman (Ventura Field Office) (see ADDRESSES).
Authority
The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of
1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1544).
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17
Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, and Transportation.
Dated: November 3, 1994.
Mollie H. Beattie,
Director.
[FR Doc. 94-28741 Filed 11-21-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P