Harbison's Dun Skipper (Euphyes vestris harbisoni)
The Harbison's dun skipper is restricted to extreme southern California and one known location in Mexico. In addition to the restricted range, habitat loss associated with urbanization, pollution, recent wildfires of 2003 and 2007, and prolonged dry conditions over the last decade, pose important threats to the Harbison's dun skipper. Entomologists have expressed concern that the Harbison's dun skipper is at risk of extinction and it was previously given a Category 2 status by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Only two papers specific to the Harbison's dun skipper have been published so little is known about this subspecies. This project is a description of the current status of the species in southern California. Research is investigating the distribution of the skipper (identifying suitable habitat followed by a comprehensive survey) as well as providing a baseline for preliminary work on both population status (landscape genetic study) and habitat requirements (initial habitat/occupancy modeling). It is expected that subsequent work will provide more insight into the status and trend of the subspecies as well as refine landscape genetic and habitat models for the skipper. Research Tasks 1. Document patches of host plant for the Harbison's dun skipper on conserved lands in California. 2. Describe the distribution of Harbison's dun skipper on conserved lands in California. 3. Describe the biology of adults, including flight season phenology, behavior, and nectar sources. 4. Estimate population sizes. |