[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