USGS Home
Contact USGS
Search USGS

   

Current Status:

One threat to Lange's metalmark butterfly is invasive exotic vegetation, which eliminates foodplants for butterfly larvae and nectar sources for adults. Uncontrolled fire, which could kill the butterflies or damage their foodplants, is another threat.

Achievements:

The single known population of Lange's metalmark butterfly, found at the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge, has responded favorably to management. The peak population of adult butterflies increased from a low of about 172 individuals in 1986 to about 700 in 1989. Continued habitat restoration by Refuge staff, including the planting of larval foodplants, and termination of an intensive capture-mark-recapture program are responsible for the steady growth in the butterfly's population. (Excessive handling during the capture-mark-recapture program may have resulted in damage or death of individuals.) Equally encouraging is the recent sighting of butterflies in areas of the Refuge where they had not previously been observed.

Current Recovery Needs:

The species will need continued population monitoring, control of nonnative vegetation, and further research on its biology and ecology. Research will emphasize transect counts and other methods that do not require handling to reduce harm to the butterflies.

Partnerships

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E): In 1990, PG&E donated 300 cubic yards of sand from a nearby site to the Refuge. The sand was revegetated with larval foodplants and other native species, and several adult butterflies were observed at this site in 1992. PG&E is involved with the Refuge staff in conserving the Lange's metalmark butterfly, as well as other invertebrates that are candidates for listing.

Recovery Plan Status:

Original plan approved 3/21/80; revised 4/25/84.