(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
                         Species BEETLE, GROUND, DELTA GREEN
                                Species Id ESIS501005
                                   Date 13 MAR 96



TAXONOMY

NAME - BEETLE, GROUND, DELTA GREEN OTHER COMMON NAMES - BEETLE, GROUND and DELTA GREEN ELEMENT CODE - CATEGORY - Terrestrial Insects PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - ARTHROPODA, CLASS AND SUBCLASS - INSECTA, ORDER AND SUBORDER - COLEOPTERA, FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - CARABIDAE, GENUS AND SUBGENUS - ELAPHRUS, SPECIES AND SSP - VIRIDIS, SCIENTIFIC NAME - ELAPHRUS VIRIDIS AUTHORITY - TAXONOMY REFERENCES - COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY - Delta Green Ground Beetle Elaphrus viridis Horn, 1878 KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Insect PHYLUM: Arthropoda CLASS: Insecta ORDER: Coleoptera FAMILY: Carabidae The following is taken from the species Recovery Plan (01): Distinguishing features of the adult are its size, coloration and maculation patterns, lack or reduction of circular pits on the elytra, and degree of hirsuteness. Adults show dimorphic coloration. Some adults are a brilliant green with bronze spots on the elytra, while others are green but they lack bronze spots. The larvae are heavily sclerotized with a metallic sheen. The delta green ground beetle, Elaphrus viridis Horn (Coleoptera:Carabidae), has been an enigma to entomologists since it was described in 1878. Dr. George Horn named and described the species based on a single specimen sent to him by A.S. Fuller, a California coleopterist. The only locality data supplied with the specimen was "California" (04). Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy Species BEETLE, GROUND, DELTA GREEN Species Id ESIS501005 Date 13 MAR 96 Despite its spectacular and unmistakable appearance, the beetle remained unknown until 1974, when a student from the University of California Davis, rediscovered it in the area now known as Jepson Prairie. Because the animal had not been collected since its first collection in 1878, no other common names were appended to this species in literature. The type specimen resides at Harvard where the Horn collection is now housed. Pictures and descriptions are available through: Dr. David Kavanaugh Dr. Goulet California Academy of Science Entomol. Biosystematics Res. Inst. Golden Gate Park Agriculture Canada San Francisco, CA Central Experiment Farm Ottawa, Ontario Canada Taxonomy - 2
                                  (DRAFT) - Status
                         Species BEETLE, GROUND, DELTA GREEN
                                Species Id ESIS501005
                                   Date 13 MAR 96



STATUS

Coded Status T: Federal Threatened COMMENTS ON STATUS - U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS: The delta green ground beetle (Elaphrus viridis) has been designated a Threatened species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (50 CFR 17.12; P.L. 93-205, 87 Stat. 884; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1540), as amended. The species has this status wherever found including the State of California. Critical Habitat is designated in Solano Co., CA (50 CFR 17.95 (i)), T5N R1E West 1/2 Sec.12, SW 1/4 Sec.13, SE 1/4 Sec.14, NE 1/4 Sec.23, NW 1/4 Sec.24. This species is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any wild animal (alive or dead including parts, products, eggs, or offspring): (1) in interstate or foreign commerce if taken, possessed, transported or sold in violation of any State law or regulation; or (2) if taken or possessed in violation of any U.S. law, treaty, or regulation or in violation of Indian tribal law. It is also unlawful to possess any wild animal (alive or dead including parts, products, eggs, and offspring) within the U.S. territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in 18 U.S.C. 7) that is taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of any State law or regulation, foreign law, or Indian tribal law. RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES: USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and law enforcement/protection of this species. All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402), and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of the species. STATE STATUSES AND LAWS: The delta green ground beetle is not protected under California's Endangered Species Act. The California Environmental Quality Act (PRC 2100 et seq.) recognizes Federally listed Threatened and Endangered species as among those species requiring that environmental impact assessments be made for actions that may detrimentally affect them. See: Guidlines for Implementation of the California Environmental Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status Species BEETLE, GROUND, DELTA GREEN Species Id ESIS501005 Date 13 MAR 96 Quality Act, California Administrative Code, Chapter 3, Section 15380. INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS: The delta green ground beetle is listed as "vulnerable" in the IUCN Red Data Book, 1983. ECONOMIC STATUSES: None. 78/08/10:43 FR 35636/34643 - Proposed rule, Threatened w/ CH 79/03/06:44 FR 12384/ - Withdrawal of CH proposal 80/02/27:45 FR 13021/ - Rules for designation of CH 80/05/02:45 FR 29371/29373 - Reproposal of Critical Habitat 80/08/08:45 FR 52807/52810 - Final rule, listed as Threatened w/ CH 85/07/22:50 FR 29901/29909 - Five year review Status - 2
     

HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS

HABITAT - TERRESTRIAL TERRESTRIAL INLAND AQUATIC LAND USE - Transportation, communications, and Util Cropland and Pasture Streams and Canals Nonforested Wetland NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC Lacustrine, littoral Palustrine EM1 COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS - At present the delta green ground beetle predominantly inhabits Olcott Lake (a large vernal lake more than 36 hectares in size) and the borders of vernal pools, all within the Jepson Prairie Preserve, Solano Co., CA. The following is taken from the Recovery Plan (01): ". . . the Jepson Prairie Preserve is part of a larger area generally known as the Jepson Prairie, a restricted and remnant ecological area. . . . Although scattered throughout the Central Valley of California, vernal pools and vernal lakes occur in large concentrations in Solano County. . . . "The winter rains create two general types of intermittent bodies of water within the Jepson Prairie. Readily recognizable by their size and the duration of inundation, these types exhibit several edaphic and floristic differences. Vernal pools may be defined as small depressions within generally level terrain. The subsurface of this terrain, usually underlain by an impermeable layer, prevents drainage into the lower soil profile. Amid the rainy winter season, water inundates areas long enough to inhibit typical grassland vegetation from developing in these depressions. Large and shallow playa-type lakes underlain as well by an impermeable soil horizon, exemplify the other type of vernal body of water. These bodies, referred to as vernal lakes, generally contain larger watersheds and hold standing water throughout the rainy season and often into late spring. "Small pools of only a few square meters in size are common in the grasslands of the region. Dominated by annual herbs and grasses, the soils of these pools are classified as part of the Antioch soil series. Small, shallow, intermittent streams frequently link numerous small pools into a series of lakelets. In the few hours after a heavy rain, most of this 'hogwallow' landscape of the Jepson Prairie looks like a lake with many small islands rising less than 25 cm above the water. The Delta green ground beetle inhabits this 'hogwallow' area of the preserve. . . . "Jepson Prairie consists of alluvial material deposited some 65,000 to 100,000 years ago (07). Ongoing soil profile development since the deposition of the alluvial material Habitat Associations - 1 resulted in well-differentiated soil horizons. Reprecipitated clay materials from the near-surface layers formed an impervious B horizon that blocks downward percolation of rainwater. "Vernal lakes, however, are more recent in origin, less than 10,000 to 15,000 years in age. The clays of these lakes settled out of even larger lakes of post-Pleistocene runoff from the last glacial maximum (07). Soil profile development, specifically the clays, although not well differentiated in these soils, still serve as an effective barrier to percolation. The water table, typically perched above this impervious horizon, intersects low spots in the hummock-covered landscape creating the vernal pools and lakes. "The Solano County Soil Survey mapped the bed of Olcott Lake as part of the Pescadero soil series (08). This soil occurs in 40 to 50 locations in the Jepson Prairie region, but represents only a small fraction of the total area of the region. Some of these lakes formed over Pescadero soils may be potential habitat for Solano grass. Many of the deeper lakes have been significantly disturbed or modified by draining and cattle. "Olcott Lake fills with water each November or early December. Clay from the lake bed becomes suspended in the water, making the water nearly opaque. Prevailing southwest winds cause sufficient wave action to result in considerable erosion on the leeward shoreline and suspend much of the lake bottom sediments. In summer, exposed rootstocks of lippia (Lippia nodiflora var. reptans) stand 5 to 15 cm above the soil surface; dramatic evidence of the wave-caused removal of sediments. Wave actions probably buries and exhumes seeds of many species, including Solano grass, growing on the lake bed. "When the weather warms and the rain abates in mid-March to early April, the water level of the lake recedes, finnaly evaporating by late May to mid-July (depending on the year). The hard-baked lake bed remains dry throughout the rainless summer. This annual cycle of inundation and desiccation produces conditions so severe that few plants can survive with the vernal pools and lakes. "The boundaries of the watershed surrounding Olcott Lake have not been determined accurately yet, because of the complicated microrelief of the Jepson Prairie. The water balance for the lake needs study as well. . . . "Past human activities have altered the hydrology of Olcott Lake. The Sacramento Northern Railroad, shown on the 1934 soil survey of the region (09), tangentially strikes the western edge of the lake. The raised fill under the track becomes a barrier to water that might otherwise flow into or out of the lake. "Cook Lane, also shown on the 1934 soil map, extends through the middle of Olcott Lake and disrupts the water flow from section to section. Because the road reduces the fetch, the waves generated by the wind on the lake are altered and they may influence the depth of lake bottom disturbance. The man-made shallow ditch in the southeast corner of the lake alters the hydrology of the lake. This ditch prevents the lake level from becoming high enough to inundate Cook Lane during the winter. The ditch also provides drainage by linking together a series of other small pools in the prairie. The ditch ultimately discharges into Calhoun Cut. . . a major drainage in the region. Small ditch systems, such as this example, typically exist in many parts of the Jepson Prairie. Habitat Associations - 2 Local ranchers believe that by draining away the water that otherwise would stand on vernal pool areas they obtain increased forage production in early spring. "The regional climate of the Jepson Prairie is Mediterranean, cool rainy winters and warm rainless summers. The prevailing winds are from the southwest. Rains generally begin by October, and pools generally fill by November or December. Nearly two-thirds of the rain falls during December, January and February, with an additional 20 percent falling in the warming spring months of March, April, and May. Temperatures begin to climb rapidly by May, evaporating all the water from the small vernal pools. The last winter frost usually occurs in early March, while the first frost usually takes place by late December. The growing season is about 285 days long (10)." Transmission lines (high voltage lines of Pacific Gas & Electric (PG & E) and Western Area Power Association; and natural gas pipelines of PG & E and Shell Oil 6) run through the designated Critical Habitat, potential habitats and along the northwest edge of Olcott Lake. Surrounding agricultural lands are used for grazing and grain cultivation (e.g., corn and barley). Habitat Associations - 3
                                (DRAFT) - Food Habits
                         Species BEETLE, GROUND, DELTA GREEN
                                Species Id ESIS501005
                                   Date 13 MAR 96



FOOD HABITS

TROPHIC LEVEL - CARNIVORE LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART General Arthropods Food Habits - 1
                         (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
                         Species BEETLE, GROUND, DELTA GREEN
                                Species Id ESIS501005
                                   Date 13 MAR 96



ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS

G = General A = Adult LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae L = Larvae E = Egg RL = Resting Larvae FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS G G Terrestrial Features: Depressions G Environment Associations - 1
                               (DRAFT) - Life History
                         Species BEETLE, GROUND, DELTA GREEN
                                Species Id ESIS501005
                                   Date 13 MAR 96



LIFE HISTORY

Unless otherwise noted, the following information is taken from the Delta Green Ground Beetle Recovery Plan (01): FOOD HABITS: Based on the comparative biologies of closely related Elaphrus species, Dr. Henri Goulet (03) suggests that both larvae and adults of the delta green ground beetle are generalized predators because they eat many different kinds of prey. Mandibles of larvae and adults are specialized for the capture and puncture of soft-bodied prey, Terrestrial chironomid (Diptera) larvae may be an obvious food source for both larvae and adults (01). Recent work by Serpa reveals that the primary food source of the adult is springtails (Collembola). Two common species inhabit the area, only one is eaten (01). HOME RANGE/TERRITORY: The species is non-territorial as far as is known. PERIODICITY: In general, carabids are nocturnal, but the delta green ground beetle, and Elaphrus in general, are active during the daytime. Preliminary observations (Arnold, Eng, and Liebherr, pers. obs.) suggest that activity may be temperature and wind dependent. In February and March 1982, adults were active when ambient air temperature at 2 cm above ground was at least 23 degrees C. Most adults were observed during 1100-1400 hours and when winds were minimal. Larvae may be nocturnal and occur in areas slightly more damp than adults, but further study is needed to confirm larval behavior (01). Elaphrus viridis is undoubtably univoltine. Collection records since 1974 indicate that adults may be found from early February until mid-May. Drs. H. Goulet and D. Kavanaugh (03,02) believe that adult activity may begin considerably earlier during the winter months. The winter activity period is unique among species of the genus Elaphrus, in which most taxa are active as adults during May to September (05 in 01). MIGRATION PATTERNS: As far as is known, this species does not migrate. COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS: Since its rediscovery, delta green ground beetle adults have been collected at the margins of vernal pools and in bare areas along Cook Lane and sheep trails in the surrounding pastures. The beetle's cryptic coloring and small size hinder its detection in the field. There is some concern among entomologists who have observed the beetle whether the microhabitat of the delta green ground beetle has been sufficiently defined. Adults may occur and be more numerous in the more dense vegetation cover, but may be harder to detect there. However, H. Goulet (03) believes that more dense vegetation may be unsuitable for E. viridis. Microhabitats of other Elaphrus species tend to be in more open areas with limited vegetative cover and Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History Species BEETLE, GROUND, DELTA GREEN Species Id ESIS501005 Date 13 MAR 96 accumulation of mulch. The cryptic markings, behavior, and good visual acuity of adults might not be necessary for hunting in dense vegetation. This suggests that the microhabitat of adults is bare or sparsely vegetated ground. Larvae may occur in greater numbers amongst dense herbaceous growth, where prey would presumably be more abundant. Arnold speculates the soft-bodied prey of the beetle are limited to moist ground to prevent desication. During the wet winter the prey, and thus the beetle, probably inhabit the surrounding grasslands of Olcott Lake and other pools. The prey and beetles probably move to moist borders of drying vernal pools and the lake after the rains have ceased (06 in 01). REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS: Nothing is known about this aspect of the breeding and reproductive requirements of this species. REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS: Based on mating behavior of other Elaphrus taxa, Goulet (03 in 01) speculates that copulation is very brief, perhaps as short as 1 minute. During copulation, adults would be rather conspicuous in their sparsely vegetated habitat, thus their brief copulatory period is probably an adaptation to reduce predation. Such a brief copulatory period is unusual among carabids, where other species mate for as long as 12-72 hours (03 and 02 in 01). Both sexes may mate several times during their lifespan. Because the insect is scarce in its habitat the mechanism by which it encounters the opposite sex is important but presently unknown. Adult delta green ground beetles enter an obligate diapause in late spring. All other Elaphrus taxa enter diapause in late summer. It is speculated that the shift in the timing of life history events for the beetle appear to be adaptations to take advantage of the wetter winter and spring months in California. Presumably oviposition occurs during the wet winter and early spring after adults break their diapause. . . . The collection of third instar larvae in late February 1982, suggests that egg-laying may be completed by mid-January (03 in 01). PARENTAL CARE: No parental care is known for this species. POPULATION BIOLOGY: The primary threat to the survival of delta green ground beetle has been and continues to be loss and alteration of habitat by agricultural conversion (plowing and leveling of land), river channelization, dam construction, drainage and pipeline construction. If the distribution and population numbers are as limited as they appear, then a long-term threat may be reduced levels of genetic heterozygosity because of inbreeding and drift. Its small population size and range would increase the delta green ground beetle's probability of stochastic extinction (01). SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS: No specific interaction of this nature is known for the delta Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History Species BEETLE, GROUND, DELTA GREEN Species Id ESIS501005 Date 13 MAR 96 green ground beetle. OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS: Although flight has not been observed in the field, Goulet (03) suggests that adults may be powerful fliers. This would be extremely valuable for locating the widely distributed but highly localized "islands" of vernal pools and grasslands. Other Elaphrus species exhibit preferences for specialized microhabitats, which often are related in part to edaphic conditions (03). The 1982 collections of the beetle were on Pescadero Clay, a soil type that has discontinuous distribution throughout the San Joaquin Delta Region. Goulet (03 in 01) hypothesizes that in addition to physical factors of the microhabitat, an olfactory cue may also be essential for location by the beetle. Life History - 3
                           (DRAFT) - Management Practices
                         Species BEETLE, GROUND, DELTA GREEN
                                Species Id ESIS501005
                                   Date 13 MAR 96



MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE Beneficial Suppressing wildfire Beneficial Prescribed/controlled burning of habitat Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations Beneficial Controlling water levels Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas Beneficial Land Acquisition Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Pesticide Use Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Herbicide Use Beneficial Reforestation Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals Beneficial Restricting Poaching Beneficial Controlling/Removing Domestic Animals Adverse Low Gene Pool Existing Low Gene Pool Adverse Gas/Oil Development Existing Gas/Oil Development Adverse Highway/Railroads Existing Highway/Railroads Adverse Strip mining Existing Strip mining Adverse Flooding Existing Flooding Adverse Dredging Existing Dredging Adverse Grazing Existing Grazing Adverse Existing COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES - The following is from the delta green ground beetle Recovery Plan (01): Although the historical distribution of the delta green ground beetle is not precisely known, the widespread disruption of wetland and grassland habitat of the Central Valley during the past 100 years strongly suggests that the beetle's range has shrunk and become fragmented. . . . The primary threat to survival of delta green ground beetle has been and continues to be loss and alteration of habitat by agricultural conversion (plowing and leveling of land), river channelization, dam construction, drainage and pipeline construction. The presence of Cook Lane through the habitat and associated traffic is thought to threaten the beetle (06). If the distribution and population numbers of the delta green ground beetle are as limited as they appear, then a long-term threat may be reduced levels of genetic heterozygosity because of inbreeding and drift. Its small population size and range would increase the delta Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices Species BEETLE, GROUND, DELTA GREEN Species Id ESIS501005 Date 13 MAR 96 green ground beetle's probability of extinction. Future threats include impacts from gas pipeline expansion, railroad bed upgrading for a proposed coal fired power plant supply, exploritory drilling, and further pipeline construction impacting the soil profile permeability. APPROVED PLAN: U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Delta Green Ground Beetle (Elaphrus viridis) and Solano Grass (Tucloria mucronata) Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, OR. 68 pp. The objective of the Recovery Plan is to establish and secure three additional vigorous self-sustaining colonies of a minimum of 2,025 ha (5,000 acres) of natural vernal pool/grassland habitat (including the 583 ha (1,439 acre) of the Jepson Prarie Preserve). Recovery actions for the delta green ground beetle include: 1) Utilize existing laws and regulations to control take of this species. 2) Investigate the various mortality factors, biological requirements, population dynamics, and the effects of grazing, prescribed burning and human use (e.g, researchers) on the habitat. 3) Develop and implement a land protection plan which may include eliminating the road or road access through Olcott Lake, maintaining natural water regimes, land acquisition, obtaining easements, fire management, and controlling visitor use and energy development. Parts of the habitat area are zoned agriculture and general manufacturing. This use may adversely affect the habitat and the species. Use of herbicides and pesticides in transportation right of ways or grazing areas may adversely impact the species or habitat. 4) Grazing may be controlled and prescribed burning may be used to aid in the reestablishment of native vegetation. 5) Establish additional colonies of the beetle which may require captive propagation and translocation. 6) Enhance existing habitat and if needed rehabilitate translocation sites. 7) Increase public awareness of this species. Surveys for new populations and translocation sites are being conducted. Several new populations have been found. Management Practices - 2
                                   (DRAFT) - References
                           Species BEETLE, GROUND, DELTA GREEN
                                  Species Id ESIS501005
                                      Date 13 MAR 96



     

References

***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE ***** 01 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. The Delta Green Ground Beetle and Solano Grass Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, OR. 68 pp. 02 Kavanaugh, D. 1984. Personal communication. Coleopterist, California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA. Conversations during preparation of Recovery Plan and in November 1984. 03 Goulet, H. Personal observation. Coleopterist, Entomology Biosystematics Research Institute, Agriculture Canada, Central Experiment Farm, Ottawa Ontario Canada. K1A 0 C 6. Consultations given for preparation of Recovery Plan. 04 Andrews, F. 1978. Unpublished manuscript. Elaphrus viridis Horn, 1878. 05 Goulet, H. 1982. Genera of Holarctic, Elaphrini and species of Elaphrus (Fabricus) (Coleoptera:Carabidae): Classification, phylogeny and zoogeography. Quest Entomol. [In press.] 06 Arnold, R.A. 1983. Biological studies of the delta green ground beetle, Elaphrus viridis Horn (Coleoptera:Carabidae) at Jepson Prairie Preserve in 1983. Unpublished report produced for the Nature Conservancy. 07 Begg, Gene. 1985. Personal communication. Soil Scientist, Univ. of California, Davis. 08 Bates, L.A. 1977. Soil survey of Solano County, California. U.S.D.A., Soil Conservation Service, Washington, D.C. 09 Carpenter, E.J. and S.W. Cosby. 1934. Soil survey of the Suisun Area, California. U.S.D.A., Bureau of Chemistry and Soils 18:1-60. 10 U.S. Department of Commerce. 1953-1981. Climatological data, California region. Annual Summaries No. 40-68. Washington, D.C. ***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY ***** 01 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. The Delta Green Ground Beetle and Solano Grass Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, OR 68 pp. 02 Robinson, A. December 1985. Personal communication. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Endangered Species, 500 NE Multnomah St., Suite 1692, Portland, OR 97232. References - 1