Species Fact Sheet s3

SPECIES FACT SHEET

Scientific Name: Habrodais grunus (Boisduval, 1852)

Common Name: Golden Hairstreak

Phylum: Mandibulata

Class: Insecta

Order: Lepidoptera

Family: Lycaenidae
Subfamily: Theclini

Taxonomic Note: Habrodais grunus herri is the only subspecies in Washington.

Conservation Status:

Habrodais grunus:

Global Status (1998): G4G5

National Statuses: United States (N4N5)

State/Province Statuses: Arizona (SNR), California (S3), Nevada (SNR), Oregon (SNR), Washington (S1)

Habrodais grunus herri:

Global Status (1998): G4G5T2T3

Rounded Global Status: T2-Imperiled

National Statuses: United States (N2N3)

State/Province Statuses: Oregon (SNR), Washington (S1)

(NatureServe 2011)

Technical Description:

Adult: The Lycaenidae family is made up of generally small butterflies with large bodies relative to the wings (Scott 1986). The forelegs of the male are slightly smaller than the hindlegs, and are without tarsal claws or pads (Scott 1986, Dornfeld 1980, Pyle 2002). The forelegs of the female are almost as long as the hindlegs, and are clawed (Scott 1986). The eyes are indented near the antennae, and the facial region between the eyes is narrow (Scott 1986) and flattened (Dornfeld 1980). The radial veins of the forewings have only three branches (except for Habrodais grunus, which has four), and the hindwings lack a humeral vein (Dornfeld 1980). Lycaenid wings are also characterized by a predominance of structural scales, which makes them shimmer (Pyle 2002). The genus Habrodais belongs to the tribe Theclini (commonly known as hairstreaks), which usually have one to three tails that project from the outer angle of the hindwing, and varying blue and/or orange spots near the tail that direct predatory birds away from the head (Pyle 2002).

Habrodais grunus is a golden-brown butterfly with a wingspread of <3.2 cm (1.25 in.) (Pyle 2002). Its rounded wings are yellow-tan ventrally, with faint brown and white striations. They are submarginally bordered by tiny silver crescents, the last two of which are iridescent (Pyle 2002, Opler et al. 2011). Blue-black scaling occurs on the ventral hind wings, concentrated near the tails (Pyle 2002). Its dorsal wings are a warm dusky gold, framed by brown margins that are more prominent on the male than the female (Dornfeld 1980). Each hindwing has a single short, fine tail.

Three subspecies of H. grunus are recognized (Pelham 2008). Most Cascadian populations are Habrodais grunus herri (Field, 1938), which has a broad distribution in the Cascade Ranges of southern Washington and Oregon and in the Oregon Coast Ranges (Butterflies of America 2011). Members of this subspecies are large, brightly golden above, and have light markings below (Warren 2005, Pyle 2002). Habrodais grunus lorquini (Field, 1938) is smaller and more dusky above, and heavily marked below (Warren 2005, Pyle 2002, Dornfeld 1980). This subspecies occurs in the southern Oregon Cascades and Klamath-Siskiyou region, south to central California Coast Ranges. Habrodais grunus grunus is distributed in southern California and the Sierra Nevadas (Butterflies of America 2011).

The distinct appearance, behavior, and habitat of this species make it unlikely to be confused with any other species (Wainwright 2008).

Immature Stages: The chalky-white eggs of this species are similar in appearance to “tiny squashed golf-balls”, and are conspicuous on the downy undersides of host-plant leaves (Pyle 2002). The larvae are yellow-green to blue-green, covered in fine white hairs, and marked with brown flecks and yellowish lines including a pale-yellow subdorsal line (Pyle 2002, Miller and Hammond 2003). Pupal and larval characteristics are very similar (Pyle 2002).

Life History:

Golden chinquapin (Chrysolepis chrysophylla) is the only known hostplant in Washington, although canyon oak (Quercus chrysolepis), huckleberry oak (Quercus vaccinifolia), and tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus) are also used in other parts of this species’ range (Pyle 2002, Miller and Hammond 2003). This species overwinters as eggs, which are laid on the undersides of host plant leaves (Pyle 2002). Larvae emerge and feed on the leaves in early summer (Dornfeld 1980). Larvae are nocturnal and hide at the base of new leaves in older or dead growth during the day (Raven 1995). Pupation takes place on the host plant (Dornfeld 1980).

There is one generation of adults per year, with a flight period from early July to late September, peaking in August (Pyle 2002). Adults nectar on late summer composites including pearly everlasting, goldenrod, and thistles (Pyle 2002), although they do not nectar as frequently as other species (Warren 2005). Adults are somewhat crepuscular and males patrol the canopy for females in the late afternoon (Scott 1986, Warren 2005 Pyle 2002). The butterfly is known for its lekking behavior and tends to keep to the canopy, usually staying 6 to 9 m (20 to 30 ft.) off the ground (Scott 1986, Pyle 2002, Warren 2005, Wainwright 2008).

Range, Distribution, and Abundance:

Range-wide: This species is common and widespread in Baja, California (Mexico), California, and Oregon. It is less common in Arizona, Nevada, and Washington.

Oregon: In Oregon, H. grunus occupies the length of the Cascades, from sea level to almost 7000 feet, and parts of the Siskiyous (Warren 2005). It is documented from Benton, Clackamas, Deschutes, Douglas, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Lincoln, Marion, Multnomah, Wasco, Curry, and Josephine Counties. It is suspected from Polk and Coos Counties.

Washington: This species is documented from Skamania County, in the southeastern section of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Although not documented, the species may also occur Jefferson and Mason Counties. The first Washington record is from 1980 at a site with C. chrysophylla (the only Washington host plant) in the southern Big Lava Bed (Pyle 2002). A 1995 survey found H. grunus at only one of 20 C. chrysophylla sites surveyed. In 2008, another survey in this area failed to find this species at the 1980 and 1995 sites, although the species was found at a new site, Lusk Creek. Pyle (2010) did find H. grunus at the original 1980 site again in 2000, and in 2008 (Pyle 2011 pers. comm.).

BLM/Forest Service Lands: In Washington, this species is documented from the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. In Oregon, this species is reportedly documented from all National Forests west of the Cascades Crest.

Abundance: The population sizes of this species at known Washington sites have not been documented. During the most recent Washington survey (Lusk Creek, 2008), only 3 to 15 individuals matching the species description were observed (Wainwright 2008). In Oregon, H. grunus is locally abundant in the white fir forests of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument (Runquist 2011, pers. comm.), and throughout the Cascade Range (Warren 2011, pers. comm.).

Habitat Associations:

The occurrence of this species is limited by the presence of its larval host plants; it can be found in forests, roadsides, forest-edges, canyons, ridges, and slopes where host trees are present. The discovery of H. grunus in Washington corresponded with the finding of scarce C. chrysophylla trees in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest (Pyle 2002).

Recent surveys found H. grunus occupying an area with about 50 mature (8-10 in. diameter, 30-40 ft. tall) C. chrysophylla trees that received ample sunlight throughout the day (Wainwright 2008).

Threats:

C. chrysophylla, the larval host of H. grunus, sprouts vigorously following fire or logging, and mixed-conifer/evergreen forests are particularly prone to dominance of C. chrysophylla following disturbance (McMurray 1989). For this reason, C. chrysophylla has been controlled as a “weed species” in some management regimes (Pyle 2002, McMurray 1989). Herbicides are a serious threat to H. grunus, especially because C. chrysophylla is resistant to chemical control and multiple applications are necessary to achieve cover reduction (McMurray 1989). Mechanical control can also damage larger trees, and result in habitat loss for H. grunus (Pyle 2002, Raven 1995). C. chrysophylla is particularly susceptible to infection by heart rot fungus (Phellinus igniarus), which is introduced by physical damage resulting from mechanical control, road building, road use, windthrow, and logging activities (Raven 1995).

The application of Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk) and other insecticides in H. grunus habitat will also impact larvae and adults. Btk is toxic to Lepidoptera and causes them to starve (Raven 1995).

Logging is also known to threaten this species habitat. In 1995, surveys of twenty C. chrysophylla sites in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest (GPNF) found only one site with this species present. The site was recently had a regeneration timber harvest (c. 2008), then experienced a small wildfire; no H. grunus were detected at the site during a visit by GPNF personnel in 2008 (Wainwright 2008).

H. grunus is particularly vulnerable to the above threats in Washington (Pyle 2011, pers. comm.), where only two small populations are currently known.

Conservation Considerations:

Inventory: Continue surveying southeastern Gifford Pinchot National Forest for this species. There are at least 19 stands of C. chrysophylla in the forest (occurring across ~300-400 acres), most of which have not been thoroughly surveyed for H. grunus (see Raven 1995 and Wainwright 2008). Surveys for this species in the Olympic National Forest and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area are also recommended, in areas where isolated and dispersed C. chrysophylla are known to occur (Pyle 2002, Raven 1995).

Research: Collect more detailed information on the species’ basic biology and ecology in Washington, including phenology, larval and adult predators and parasites, and adult nectar sources (Raven 1995).

Management: Protect known and potential sites from practices that would adversely affect any aspect of this species’ life cycle or habitat, including chemical control of C. chrysophylla trees, application of Btk, and mechanical activities (e.g., logging, road building, heavy road use). Adult resources (e.g., nectaring plants) should also be protected and maintained.

Thinning and brush removal may enhance habitat for H. grunus and C. chrysophylla by opening the canopy and increasing light availability, but it is recommended that such management activities should occur between October and May (when larvae and adults are not present), and should not damage nectar sources or potential host trees (Raven 1995).

Version 2:

Prepared by: Jessica Miller and Carly Voight, Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation

Date: September 2011

Edited by: Sarah Foltz Jordan, Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation

Date: November 2011

Final edits by: Rob Huff, Conservation Planning Coordinator, FS/BLM, Portland, OR

Date: December 2011

Version 1:

Prepared by: John Fleckenstein, Natural Heritage Program, Washington Department of Natural Resources

Date: January 2006

Edited by: Rob Huff

Date: June 2007

ATTACHMENTS:

(1)  References

(2)  List of pertinent or knowledgeable contacts

(3)  Map of species distribution

(4)  Photographs of species

(5)  Lepidoptera survey protocol, including specifics for this species

ATTACHMENT 1: References

Butterflies of America. 2011. Interactive listing of American butterflies. Available: http://butterfliesofamerica.com/list.htm (Accessed 11/3/2011).

Dornfeld, Ernst J. 1980. The Butterflies of Oregon. Timber Press, Forest Grove, Or. 276 pp.

McMurray, Nancy E. 1989. Chrysolepis chrysophylla. In: Fire Effects Information System, [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service,

Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer).

Available: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ (Accessed: 10/10/2011).

Miller, J.C. and P.C. Hammond. 2003. Lepidoptera of the Pacific Northwest: caterpillars and adults. USDA Forest Service. Washington DC. 324 pp.

NatureServe. 2011. “Habrodais grunus” and “Habrodais grunus herri”. Version 7.1 (2 February 2009). Data last updated: July 2011. Available at: www.natureserve.org/explorer (Accessed: 9/28/2011).

Opler, P.A., K. Lotts, and T. Naberhaus, coordinators. 2011. Butterflies and Moths of North America. Bozeman, MT: Big Sky Institute (Version 06032011).Available at: (Accessed: 9/23/2011).

Pelham, J. 2008. A catalogue of the butterflies of the United States and Canada with a complete bibliography of the descriptive and systematic literature. Journal of Research on the Lepidoptera 40: 658 pp.

Pyle, R.M. 2011. Personal communication with Carly Voight, Xerces Society.

Pyle, R.M. 2010. Mariposa Road: The First Butterfly Big Year. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, New York, NY. 576 pp.

Pyle, R.M. 2002. The Butterflies of Cascadia. Seattle Audubon Society. Seattle, WA. 420 pp.

Raven, A.N. 1995. Summary of the 1995 Field Surveys for the Golden Chinquapin, Chrysolepis chrysophylla (Douglas) Hjelmqvist, and Herr’s Golden Hairstreak Butterfly, Habrodais grunus herri Field. Portland, OR. 46 pp.

Scott, J.A. 1986. The Butterflies of North America: A Natural History and Field Guide. Stanford University Press, Stanford, CA. 583 pp.

Wainwright, M. 2008. Chinquapin (Golden) Hairstreak Butterfly Survey Report. Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA. 6 pp.

Warren, A.D. 2005. Butterflies of Oregon: their taxonomy, distribution, and biology. Lepidoptera of North America 6. C.P. Gillette Museum. Colorado State University. Fort Collins, CO. 408 pp.

Warren, Andy. 2011. Personal communication with Carly Voight.

Washington Natural Heritage Program. 2011. List of Vascular Plants Tracked by the Washington National Heritage Program. “Chrysolepis chrysophylla.” (April 19, 2011) Available at: http://www1.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/lists/plantrnk.html#key (Accessed: 10/31/2011).

ATTACHMENT 2: List of pertinent or knowledgeable contacts

Robert Pyle

Andy Warren

ATTACHMENT 3: Map of species distribution

Records of Habrodais grunus in Washington, relative to Forest Service and BLM lands. Oregon records for this species are not shown.

ATTACHMENT 4: Photographs of species

Habrodais grunus, adult ventral view. Photographed near Round Lake, Jefferson County, Oregon by Will Cook. http://www.carolinanature.com Used with permission.

Habrodais grunus, adult dorsal view. Photographed near Round Lake, Jefferson County, Oregon by Will Cook. http://www.carolinanature.com Used with permission.

ATTACHMENT 5: Lepidoptera survey protocol, including specifics for this species

Taxonomic group:

Lepidoptera

Where:

Lepidopterans utilize a diversity of terrestrial habitats. When surveying new areas, seek out places with adequate larval food plants, nectar sources, and habitat to sustain a population. Many species have highly specific larval feeding preferences (e.g., limited to one or a few related plant species whose defenses they have evolved to overcome), while other species exhibit more general feeding patterns, including representatives from multiple plant families in their diet. For species-specific dietary preferences and habitat information, see the section at the end of this protocol.