(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species CACTUS, MARIPOSA, LLOYD'S
Species Id ESIS702017
Date 13 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - CACTUS, MARIPOSA, LLOYD'S
OTHER COMMON NAMES - CACTUS, MARIPOSA, LLOYD'S; CACTUS, MARIPOSA; CACTUS and GOLFBALL
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Angiosperm
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - MAGNOLIOPHYTA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - MAGNOLIOPSIDA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - CARYOPHYLLALES,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - CACTACEAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - NEOLLOYDIA,
SPECIES AND SSP - MARIPOSENSIS,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - NEOLLOYDIA MARIPOSENSIS
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Lloyd's Mariposa Cactus
Neolloydia mariposensis (Hester) L. Benson
KINGDOM: Plant GROUP: Angiosperm
DIVISION: Magnoliophyta CLASS: Magnoliopsida
ORDER: Caryophyllales FAMILY: Cactaceae
Stems single, blue green, ovoid to globose, 3 to 10 cm long, 3 to
6 cm in diameter; ribs lacking; tubercles 6 mm long, 6 mm broad and
protruding 3 mm; areoles elliptic, 3 mm in diameter, 6 mm apart;
spines very dense, radials obscuring the stem; central spines 2 to 4
per areole, tan with chalky blue or brown tips, lower ones curving
downward, 5 to 15 mm long, upper ones curving upward, 15 to 20 mm
long, comparatively heavy, acicular; radial spines 25 to 35 per
areole, white to gray, spreading evenly and parallel to the stem,
straight, pectinate, 5 to 10 mm long, acicular; flowers to 4 cm in
diameter to 3 cm long; outer floral bracts with greenish and reddish-
purple midribs and pink margins, elliptic-lanceolate, to 15 mm long, 3
to 4 mm broad, rounded, scarious-margined and undulate; inner floral
bracts pink or yellowish tan, with white margins, oblanceolate, to 20
mm long, 3 to 4 mm broad, acute to rounded, entire; filaments 5 to 7.5
mm long; anthers about 1 mm long; style 10 to 15 mm long; stigmas 5 to
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species CACTUS, MARIPOSA, LLOYD'S
Species Id ESIS702017
Date 13 MAR 96
8 lobed, green; fruit globose or oblong, up to 10 mm long, yellowish-
green, drying and splitting open on one side; seed black, papillate,
more or less ovoid, 1.3 mm long, 1.5 mm broad, 1 mm thick (01,02,03,
04).
While the species concept has remained constant, the generic
placement is not agreed upon. Originally described as a species of
Echinomastus by Hester (03), this view is also held by Zimmerman (04),
Glass and Foster (05), and Backeberg (06). Weniger placed the species
in Echinocactus (07), an invalid combination; Benson transferred the
species to Neolloydia (08), without explanation.
Synomyms for the common name of Lloyd's mariposa cactus include;
golf ball cactus and mariposa cactus.
The type specimen (J.P. Hester accession # 236, earlier described
as "H-5") is located in the Dudley Herbarium (#271943) (02). Other
specimens may be found at the following herbaria: ASU, CAS, MO, POM,
RSA, SRSC, UNM, and US (04). Descriptions, photographs, and/or
drawings are found in various references: (01,02,03,07,09,10,11).
The photograph used in the original description of Echinomastus
warnockii (08) illustrated misidentified plants of mariposensis.
Immature plants appear at first glance to be a different species
from old adults due to the very different morphology between immatures
and old adults (04).
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species CACTUS, MARIPOSA, LLOYD'S
Species Id ESIS702017
Date 13 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
T: Federal Threatened
Commercial
Non-consumptive recreational
Ornamental
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Lloyd's Mariposa cactus (Neolloydia mariposensis) 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 Mexico and the State of Texas.
Removal and reduction to possession of any Federally listed plant
from an area under Federal jurisdiction is unlawful (50 CFR 17.61 and
17.71).
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 possess
any wild plant (including roots, seeds, and other parts) within U.S.
territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in 18 U.S.C.
7); or to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or
purchase in interstate or foreign commerce any wild plant (including
roots, seeds, and other parts) taken, possessed, transported, or sold
in violation of any State law or regulation. It is also unlawful to
import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any
wild plant (including roots, seeds, and other parts) taken or
possessed in violation of any U.S. law, treaty, or regulation or in
violation of Indian tribal law.
RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:
USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species.
NPS -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public lands under their control. Also responsible
for conservation (Nat. Park System Organic Act - 16
U.S.C. 1, 2-3)/management/recovery on National Park
Service lands. Taking, possessing, or disturbing of
Federally listed species is prohibited on NPS lands
(36 CFR 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3).
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
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species CACTUS, MARIPOSA, LLOYD'S
Species Id ESIS702017
Date 13 MAR 96
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:
STATE: Texas
DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
STATE STATUTE: Chapter 88 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code,
Texas Parks and Wildlife Rules for Protected,
Threatened and Endangered Native Plant Species,
Sec 57.401-57.413
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
This species is listed in Appendix I of CITES.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
This species has horticultural value and is commercially
available from cactus and succulent dealers. It's rarity makes it
particularly desirable to collectors. It has value as a component of
Texas's natural heritage of biotic diversity.
75/07/01:40 FR 27823/27924 - Notice of review
76/06/16:41 FR 24523/24572 - Proposed Threatened
79/11/06:44 FR 64247/64250 - Listing as Threatened
85/07/22:50 FR 29901/29909 - Five year review
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - TERRESTRIAL
TERRESTRIAL
LAND USE -
Residential
Transportation, communications, and Util
Shrub and Brush Rangeland
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
Neolloydia mariposensis is an element of the Chihuahuan Desert
flora. The habitat area is very open with a few shrubs, but a great
diversity of small perennial xerophytes (04). Some of the components
of the community are Larrea divaricata, Agave lecheguilla, Euphorbia
antisiphilitica, Jatropha dioica, Hechtia scariosa, Fouquieria
splendens, Yucca sp., Opuntia phaeacantha var. discata, O.
leptocaulis, O. rufida, Coryphantha strobiliformis var.
strobiliformis, Echinocereus stramineus, E. dasyacanthus, Mammillaria
lasiacantha, M. pottsii, Ariocarpus fissuratus and Epithelantha bokei
(01,04). In at least two sites N. mariposensis grows with Coryphantha
ramillosa (04).
Neolloydia mariposensis is found on hills and the lower slopes of
mesas (01). The soil is alkaline and very rocky, composed primarily
of crumbling limestone gravel (01). Occurring in full sun in patches
of limestone chips, the reflection from the whitish rocks raises the
heat and light radiation surrounding N. Mariposensis to extremes (01).
The mean annual temperature is about 64 degrees F, and the mean annual
total precipitation ranges from 10 inches on the western edge of the
range to 14 inches on the eastern edge (12).
The primary land use in the area is rangeland. Populations occur
in the vicinity of Lejitas and Terlingua, TX, near old quicksilver
mines (with associated buildings) and along highways and roads (with
associated fences, and utility poles) in both Texas and Mexico.
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species CACTUS, MARIPOSA, LLOYD'S
Species Id ESIS702017
Date 13 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
AUTOTROPH
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species CACTUS, MARIPOSA, LLOYD'S
Species Id ESIS702017
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 Availability of fence rows: roadside ditches and grassy
G Human Association: Abandoned buildings
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
G
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species CACTUS, MARIPOSA, LLOYD'S
Species Id ESIS702017
Date 13 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
HABIT:
Succulent (01,02,03,04,05,06,07,08,09,10,11).
LIFE CYCLE:
Perennial (01,02,03,04,07,10,11).
TYPE OF REPRODUCTION:
Sexual (01,04).
REPRODUCTIVE PHENOLOGY:
Germination, leafing and budding dates are unknown. Anthesis
occurs in March or May (01,03,04). Fruiting occurs in April or mid-
summer and seed/fruit dispersal dates are unknown (01,03,04).
Although Weniger (01) states that flowering occurs from April to
May and that fruits mature in mid-summer, Hester (03) reports
flowering in the first part of March and fruit maturing in the latter
part of April. Field work in the Big Bend area supports Hester's
observations, not Weniger's (04).
SEX OR SPORE STATUS:
Monoclinous (01,02,03,07,10,11).
POLLINATION, SPORE AND SEED DISSEMINATION:
Pollen dissemination agents are insects, the exact taxa is
unknown (01). The seed dissemination agents are probably gravity,
raindrop-spatters and ants (04). The fruits are dry and the seeds are
released into the spines at the stem apex (04).
SEED BIOLOGY:
The only information available indicates that the seeds germinate
"easily" and "grow well" in cultivation (01).
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Neolloydia mariposensis is scattered fairly evenly over its
habitat (01). Some areas were commercially striped of all visible
small cacti, causing the population to decline (01,04). Although
Neolloydia mariposensis appears to have returned in these areas (01),
seedlings which were too small to have been collected in years past
have only recently reached sufficient size to be conspicuous (04).
However, the populations have not yet returned to normal (04).
ECOLOGICAL/EDAPHIC FACTORS:
Perhaps because of its small size (even in adulthood), Neolloydia
mariposensis is confined to areas having a very stable surface;
either rock crevices or desert pavement of limestone chips (04). The
soil is alkaline and very rocky, composed primarily of crumbling
limestone gravel (01). Occurring on hills and lower mesa slopes in
full sun in patches of limestone gravel, the reflection from the
whitish rocks raises the heat and light radiation surrounding
Neolloydia mariposensis to extremes (01). The elevation varies from
around 2500 to 3500 feet (01). The mean annual temperature is about
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species CACTUS, MARIPOSA, LLOYD'S
Species Id ESIS702017
Date 13 MAR 96
64 degrees F, and the mean annual total precipitation ranges from 10
inches on the western edge of the range to 14 inches on the eastern
edge (12).
Geologic formations in the area where Neolloydia mariposensis
occurs are various Quaternary deposits, the Chisos Formation
(conglomerate, sandstone, mudstone, tuff, and igneous rocks:
Tertiary), and various Cretaceous, primarily limestone formations:
Santa Elena, Sue Peaks, Del Carmen, Telephone Canyon, Boquillas, Glen
Rose, Del Rio Clay, Aguja (clay, sandstone, and lignite), Javelina
(clay and sandstone), and Pen (mostly clay and some sand) (14).
Aridisols and entisols are the soil orders in the area of
occurrence of Neolloydia mariposensis (15). At a finer level, the
soil series are; Chamberino, Lajitas, Lozier, Mariscal, Pantera,
Solis, Tornillo and Upton-Nickel (15). These vary from very shallow
to deep soils and are well drained and gravelly in some layers (15).
TROPHIC STATUS:
Phototrophic (02,07,10,11).
CHARACTERISTIC DOMINANCE:
Component (01,04). Neolloydia mariposensis is widely scattered
in its habitat (01,04).
COMMUNITY ECOLOGY:
Neolloydia mariposensis is a minor part of the Chihuahuan Desert,
xeromorphic shrub, a stable community (13). Even though the cactus
has been commercially stripped from some areas, the species has
partially recovered (01,04).
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
According to Warnock, the "petals" are eaten by rodents and birds
(09).
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
Although Neolloydia mariposensis tends to be ecologically
segregated from N. warnockii, a closely related species, they overlap
slightly at least near Lajitas (04). Seedlings grown from field-
collected Neolloydia mariposensis seeds include a small number of
N. mariposensis x N. warnockii hybrids (04). However, no hybrids have
been observed in the wild (04).
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species CACTUS, MARIPOSA, LLOYD'S
Species Id ESIS702017
Date 13 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Off-Road Vehicles
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas
Beneficial Land Acquisition
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Herbicide Use
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
Beneficial Restricting Poaching
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Noncommercial Harvest
Beneficial Regulating commercial harvest levels
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Domestic Animals
Adverse Collecting
Existing Collecting
Adverse Commercial Exploitation
Existing Commercial Exploitation
Adverse Off Road Vehicles
Existing Off Road Vehicles
Adverse Hiking/Camping
Existing Hiking/Camping
Adverse Rural Residential/Industrial Areas
Existing Rural Residential/Industrial Areas
Adverse Underground Mines
Existing Underground Mines
Adverse Recreational development
Existing Recreational development
Adverse Highway/Railroads
Existing Highway/Railroads
Adverse Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Existing Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Adverse Grazing
Existing Grazing
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
Lloyd's Mariposa cactus is currently threatened by habitat
destruction due to the construction of resort homes and small acreage
development occurring around Terlingua and Lajitas, TX (01). Probably
off-road vehicles are operated in the habitat also. Former mercury
mining activity in the Terlingua-Lajitas area posed another threat to
the habitat (01). The populations at Dove Mountain, Big Canyon and
the hills near Reagan Canyon, are subject to disturbance by livestock,
although presently the impact is probably slight (04). The Big Bend
National Park populations are threatened by camping, hiking, and trail
and road maintenance. Perhaps the major threat is commercial
exploitation and collection. The cactus is a rare show specimen and
collector's item (01).
A possible future threat would be the use of herbicides in range
management practices by private landowners (01).
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species CACTUS, MARIPOSA, LLOYD'S
Species Id ESIS702017
Date 13 MAR 96
UNAPPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1986. Agency Review Draft: Recovery
Plan for the Lloyd's Mariposa Cactus. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Albuquerque, New Mexico. 35 pp.
The prime objective of the Recovery Plan is to manage and protect
Lloyd's mariposa cactus and its essential habitat so that healthy
populations can be in their natural habitat at a level that will allow
the species to be delisted. The two known populations occurs in Big
Bend National Park and on private land, mostly owned by the Lajitas
Museum and Desert Garden. Removal of threats to Lloyd's mariposa
cactus populations in both locations are recommened through:
1) Enforcement of existing collecting and trade regulations under
the Endangered Species Act, CITES, the Lacey Act and Texas
State Law.
2) Cooperative agreements with both organizations.
3) Development of monitoring studies.
4) Development and implementation of habitat management plans.
Ecological and population biology studies of Lloyd's mariposa
cactus are needed. Information required for better management include
the determination of;
1) Soil needs,
2) water needs,
3) the role of animals in seed dispersal,
4) microhabitat factors involved in seedling establishment,
5) pollinators, and
6) population dynamics of each known Lloyd's mariposa cactus
population.
Environmental parameters defining and restricting Lloyd's
mariposa cactus's distribution need to be determined. This
information could then be used to inventory a sufficient proportion of
suitable habitat to make an accurate estimate of range and habitat
actually occupied and the number of plants in the wild. This new
information should be used to update the management plans recommended
above. Other management needs addressed by the Recovery Plan include:
1) Development of a comprehensive trade management plan for all
cacti.
2) Development of propagation techniques to provide nursery
stocks and seeds to reduce collecting pressure.
3) Development of public awareness, appreciation and support for
the preservation of Lloyd's mariposa cactus.
Additional considerations for the recovery of this species
include management plans or agreements which address the control of
herbicide use, grazing, development, off-road vehicle use and other
recreational activities which may adversely impact a population of the
Lloyd's mariposa cactus.
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species CACTUS, MARIPOSA, LLOYD'S
Species Id ESIS702017
Date 13 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Weniger, D. 1979. Status report on Neolloydia mariposensis. U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, NM.
02 Benson, L. 1982. The cacti of the United States and Canada.
Stanford Univ. Press, Stanford.
03 Hester, J.P. 1945. Echinomastus mariposensis sp. nov. Desert Pl.
Life 17:59.
04 Zimmerman, A.D. 1984. Pers. comm. Department of Biology,
University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712.
05 Glass, C. and R. Foster. 1975. The genus Echinomastus in the
Chihuahuan Desert. Cact. Succ. J. (US) 47:218-223.
06 Backeberg, C. 1961. Die Cactaceae. 5:2822-2837.
07 Weniger, D. 1970. Cacti of the southwest. Univ. of TX Press,
Austin.
08 Benson, L. 1969. The cacti of the United States and Canada: New
names and nomenclatural combinations. Cact. Succ. J. (US)
41:185-188.
09 Warnock, B.H. 1977. Wildflowers of the Davis Mountains and the
Marathon Basin. Sul Ross State Univ. Press, Alpine.
10 Benson, L. 1969. Cactaceae in flora of Texas, Vol. II. Texas
Res. Found., Renner.
11 Correll, D.S. and M.C. Johnston. 1970. Manual of the vascular
plants of Texas. Texas Research Foundation. Renner, TX.
12 Godfrey, C.L., G.S. McKee, and H. Oakes. 1973. General soil map
of Texas. TX Agri. Exp. Sta., Texas A & M Univ., College Station.
13 Diamond, D.D. 1984. Pers. comm.
14 Bureau of Economic Geology. 1965-1983. Geologic atlas of Texas.
Univ. of Texas, Austin.
15 Rives, J.L. 1985. Pers. comm.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Weniger, D. 1979. Status report on Neolloydia mariposensis. On
file at: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Albuquerque, NM.
02 Benson, L. 1969. The cacti of the United States and Canada: New
names and nomenclatural combinations. Cact. Succ. J. (US)
41:185-188.
03 Zimmerman, A.D. 1984. Pers. comm. Department of Biology,
University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712.
References - 1