Dun skipper (Euphyes vestris vestris): COSEWIC assessment and status report 2013


Threatened
2013

Table of Contents

Document Information

List of Figures

List of Tables

List of Appendices

COSEWIC - Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

Document Information

COSEWIC status reports are working documents used in assigning the status of wildlifespecies suspected of being at risk. This report may be cited as follows:

COSEWIC. 2013. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Dun Skipper (vestris subspecies),Euphyes vestris vestris in Canada. Committeeon the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. xi + 69 pp. (Species at Risk Public Registry).

Previous report(s):

COSEWIC. (Unpublished Draft) 2000. COSEWIC (Draft)status report on the Dun Skipper, Euphyes vestris vestris In Canada.Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. 10 pp.

Production note:
COSEWIC would like to acknowledge Jennifer Heronfor writing the status report on the Dun Skipper (vestris subspecies), Euphyesvestris vestris, in Canada,prepared under contract with Environment Canada. This report was overseen andedited by Dr. Laurence Packer, Co-chair of the Arthropods SpecialistSubcommittee, and Syd Cannings, member of the Arthropods SpecialistSubcommittee and COSEWIC jurisdictional member for the Canadian WildlifeService.

For additional copies contact:

COSEWIC Secretariat
c/o Canadian Wildlife Service
Environment Canada
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0H3

Tel.: 819-953-3215
Fax: 819-994-3684
COSEWIC E-mail

COSEWIC Website

Également disponible en français sous le titre Évaluation et Rapport de situation du COSEPAC sur L’hespérie rurale de lasous-espèce vestris (Euphyes vestris vestris) au Canada.

Cover illustration/photo:
DunSkipper -- Photo by Denis Knopp.

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2013.
Catalogue No. CW69-14/228-2013E- PDF; 1.38 Mb)
ISBN 978-1-100-22394-0

COSEWIC
Assessment Summary

Assessment Summary – May 2013

Common name
DunSkipper

Scientific name
Euphyesvestris vestris

Status
Threatened

Reason for designation
This species has a small population found in a restricted range in southwestern British Columbia, whereit occurs in moist, open habitats, including meadows, wetlands, and disturbedsites. Meadows and wetlands are declining in area and quality owing to naturalsuccession, residential and commercial development, and invasive plants.Disturbed sites are inherently ephemeral and rapidly becoming unsuitable due tonative and invasive plant succession. This is a rare species, and despitesignificant search effort over the last decade, few new sites have beenlocated.

Occurrence
British Columbia

Status history
DesignatedThreatened in November 2000. Status re-examined and confirmed in May 2013.

COSEWIC
Executive Summary

Dun Skipper
Euphyes vestris vestris

Wildlife Species Description and Significance

The Dun Skipper (Euphyes vestris vestris) is a small skipper (wingspan 23 – 32 mm)with uniform chocolate-brown wings with a purplish hue and tan fringes on theouter margins. Adults sit with their hindwings laid flat and their forewingsheld upright. The head and thorax of adults (both sexes) are yellowish-orange.Eggs are pale green, crescent-shaped, globular and smooth when first laid, butprior to hatching change to a reddish colour on top. Larvae have a shiny, palegreen body with many fine, wavy, silvery lines. Pupae are various shades ofyellow, brown and light green, with a blunt, ridged edge at one end. There aretwo subspecies of the Dun Skipper in Canada (E. v. vestris and E. v. metacomet).This status report addresses E. v. vestris,the western ranging subspecies.

Distribution

Globally,the Dun Skipper ranges from southwestern British Columbiasouth through the western portions of Washington State,Oregon and northern California. The Canadian range is restrictedto the lowlands of the lower Fraser and LillooetRivers (mainland B.C.), the southern Gulf Islands,and southeastern Vancouver Island. On themainland, the species ranges from Lillooet south and west through Boston Bar,Pemberton, Yale and Hope. In the Lower Mainland, it ranges as far north as Powell Riveron the Sunshine Coast. On Vancouver Island, it rangesfrom the Victoria area north to Courtenay andComox; on the Gulf Islands its distribution includes Salt Spring, Denmanand Hornby Islands. There are 209 records datingfrom 1902-2011.

Habitat

Dun Skippers occupya variety of habitats, including open south to southwest, gentle slopeexposures, open forest comprised of Douglas-fir with lowland forest components;below open, sparsely vegetated cliffs and hillsides comprised of Douglas-firand Bigleaf Maple; open moist to dry meadows; open deciduous woods and areasadjacent to swamps and streams; disturbed sites including roadsides, railwayright-of-ways, ditches and powerline right-of-ways; areas with spring floods,natural hot springs or seeps, and wet seasonally flooded stream banks.

TheDun Skipper’s flight period coincides with the onset of the growth period ofthe species’ host plants, known to be sedge and grass species, althoughspecific host plant species in B.C. are unknown. In eastern North America, Dun Skipper larvae are known to feed upon YellowNut-grass, which is rare in B.C., and San Diego Sedge, which does not occur in B.C.

Biology

Matingand oviposition coincide with the flight season from late May through earlyAugust. Males perch approximately one metre from the ground and wait forreceptive females. Females lay eggs singly on the host plant and the eggs hatchafter approximately one week. Larvae begin feeding and eventually form tubularsilk shelters (one larva per shelter), formed from two to four tied and rolledhost plant leaves. Throughout winter months, larvae diapause within thesetubular silken rolls, emerging the following spring. Pupation occurs withinsilken tubes, likely at the base of the host plants in spring.

Population Sizes and Trends

Information on populations in B.C. is sparse and there areminimal data that show population sizes or trends. However, by looking atencounter rates, habitat patch size, and the size of other skipper populations,defensible lower and upper limits of 1500 and 5000 mature individuals can beplaced on overall population size.

Therehas been no detailed monitoring of populations, but knowledge of habitatthreats and trends allows one to infer considerable loss of habitat over thenext 10 years, reducing the number of known locations by as much as 60 percent.Offsetting this trend, there is a possibility that some new sites may becreated through logging or other anthropogenic activities.

Threats and Limiting Factors

Threats to the DunSkipper include: 1) habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation from landconversion and infilling of the open wet habitat and plant communities thatoccur throughout the Lower Mainland and southeastern Vancouver Island; 2) natural forest succession; 3) pesticide application to control EuropeanGypsy Moth; and 4) climatechange, primarily through increases in summer drought, potentiallyresulting in desynchronized larval and host plant phenology. Alternatively,climate change may increase precipitation although spring flooding may bedetrimental to larval and pupal survival.

Based on the threatof habitat fragmentation and private land development (based on landownership), there are approximately 51 locations (landowners) for the Dun Skipper(extant and extirpated). When only extant locations are considered (recordsfrom 2001 or later and surrounding habitat with little change), the number oflocations is reduced to 28 (landowners). Of the 28 locations, at least threeare threatened by land development within the next three years, and at least 14are within artificially created habitats (e.g., roadside pull-outs, pipelinecrossings, and recent clear-cuts) that are rapidly changing as a result ofnatural vegetative succession and are not expected to be present in 10 years.There is an inferred reduction in the number of matureindividuals from ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation; probably > 30%,based on cumulative threats from development projects in the lower mainland(e.g., industrial park at one site) and vegetative succession (based onnon-native and native plant growth) at sites on Vancouver Island and the mainland.

Protection, Status, and Ranks

TheDunSkipper is recorded from (a minimum of) 14 provincial Crown land parcels; 3provincial parks (plus two unconfirmed historic records); 2 federal properties(Indian Reserves); and 23 sites on private lands (one private conservationarea, 3 local government protected areas; and 19 private land sites). The Dun Skipper islisted as Threatened under the federal Species at Risk Act and has beenrecommended for listing as IdentifiedWildlife under the B.C. Forest and Range Practices Act, B.C. Wildlife Act and Wildlife Amendment Act. Sites (both current and historic) within provincial parks areprotected by the provincial Park Act and Ecological Reserves Act. There is no legislation that protects DunSkipper on private lands. All sites on Vancouverand Gulf Islands are on private land except threein provincial parks.

Technical Summary

Euphyes vestris vestris
Dun Skipper vestris subspecies
Range of occurrence in Canada: British Columbia

Demographic Information

Generation time 1 yr
Is there an [observed, inferred, or projected]continuing decline in number of mature individuals? Inferred decline due to habitat loss
Estimated percent ofcontinuing decline in total number of mature individuals within [5 years or 2 generations] Not available; probably less than 20%
[Observed, estimated,inferred, or suspected] percent [reduction or increase] in total number ofmature individuals over the last [10 years, or 3 generations]. Inferred reduction, unknown magnitude
[Projected or suspected] percent [reduction or increase] in total number ofmature individuals over the next [10years, or 3 generations]. Inferred reduction from ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation; probably > 30%
[Observed, estimated,inferred, or suspected] percent [reductionor increase] in total number of mature individuals over any [10 years, or 3 generations] period,over a time period including both the past and the future. Inferred reduction based on wetland loss; fragmentation; and cumulative threats; probably >30%
Are the causes of the decline clearly reversibleand understood and ceased? No
Are there extreme fluctuations in number of mature individuals? Unknown

Extent and Occupancy Information

Estimated extent of occurrence
25,924 km2 for the mainland and 6673 km2 for Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands.
32,597 km2
Index of area of occupancy (IAO)
(Always report 2x2 grid value).
This is the estimated extant IAO, based on known occurrence and expanded into known adjacent habitat. Actual IAO could be somewhat higher, but is most likely less than 500 km2. Historical IAO: 280 km2.
236 km2
Is the totalpopulation severely fragmented? Probably
Number of locations* 28 extant locations, based on potential of developmentas per land ownership as the primary threat
Is there an [observed, inferred, or projected]continuing decline in extent of occurrence? Yes, based on habitat loss and fragmentation ofwetland habitats
Is there an [observed, inferred, or projected]continuing decline in index of area of occupancy? Yes, based on natural succession affecting 14locations, habitat loss affecting 3 locations, and fragmentation of wetlandhabitats (most remaining locations)
Is there an [observed, inferred, or projected]continuing decline in number ofpopulations? Yes, based on habitat loss and fragmentation ofwetland habitats
Is there an [observed, inferred, or projected]continuing decline in number oflocations*? Yes, based on habitat loss (3 of 28 locations)and fragmentation of wetland habitats; and vegetative succession (14 of 28locations).
Is there an [observed, inferred, or projected]continuing decline in [area, extent and/or quality] of habitat? Yes, based on habitat loss (3 of 28 locations)and fragmentation of wetland habitats; and vegetative succession (14 of 28 locations)
Are there extremefluctuations in number of populations? Unknown
Are there extremefluctuations in number of locations*? No
Are there extreme fluctuations in extent ofoccurrence? No
Are there extreme fluctuations in index of area of occupancy? No

* See Definitions and Abbreviations on COSEWIC website and IUCN 2010 for more information on this term.

Number of Mature Individuals (in each population)
Population N Mature Individuals
Total (upper and lower limits inferred fromencounter rates, likely number of populations, and habitat patch size) 1500-5000

Quantitative Analysis

Probability of extinction in the wild is atleast [20% within 20 years or 5 generations, or 10% within 100 years].

Threats (actual or imminent, to populations or habitats)

The predominant threats are a combination ofsuccession, invasive species (mainly Scotch Broom), and impacts of fire andfire suppression. Additional threats include agricultural land clearing,livestock grazing and application of Btk insecticide.

Rescue Effect (immigration from outside Canada)

Status of outside population(s)?
S3 (Vulnerable) in Washington State

Is immigration known or possible?
Unlikely

Would immigrants be adapted to survive in Canada?
Yes

Is there sufficient habitat for immigrants in Canada? Populations are limited by the availability of habitat
Unlikely

Is rescue from outsidepopulations likely?
No

Status History

COSEWIC: Designated Threatened in November 2000. Statusre-examined and confirmed in May 2013.

Status and Reasons for Designation

Status:
Threatened

Alpha-numeric code:
C1

Reasons for designation:
This species has a small population found in arestricted range in southwestern BritishColumbia, where it occurs in moist, open habitats,including meadows, wetlands, and disturbed sites. Meadows and wetlands aredeclining in area and quality owing to natural succession, residential andcommercial development, and invasive plants. Disturbed sites are inherentlyephemeral and rapidly becoming unsuitable due to native and invasive plantsuccession. This is a rare species, and despite significant search effort overthe last decade, few new sites have been located.

Applicability of Criteria

Criterion A:
Not applicable. Comes close to meetingThreatened under A3, since 30-60% of known sites are likely to becomeunsuitable over next 10 years due to natural succession, but it is unclear asto how many individuals these losses will represent. Some losses offset by newdisturbance.
Criterion B:
If species is considered severely fragmented,meets Endangered under B2ab(ii,iii,iv,v). However, it is unclear how manyindividuals belong to populations that could be considered non-viable; thus,severe fragmentation is difficult to prove.
Criterion C:
Meets Threatened under C1; population estimatedto be only 1500 to 5000 mature individuals. Decline in habitat over next 10years will result in at least a 10% decline in mature individuals.
Criterion D:
Does not meet criteria.
Criterion E:
Not done.

Preface

There are two subspecies of the Dun Skipper in Canada, thewestern population being subspecies Euphyesvestris vestris and the eastern population being subspecies E. v. metacomet. The Dun Skipper (E. v. vestris) was assessed by COSEWIC in 2000 as Threatened. Since the first status report was prepared, newinformation on the distribution, habitat, habitat trends, threats and limitingfactors has been gained through inventory and research by numerous privateentomologists, government biologists and stewardship groups working within southeasternVancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and the southwestern mainland of British Columbia. Atsome of the former sites on Vancouver Island,the butterfly has not been recorded recently and there appears to be a generaldecline in habitat quality. Sites in the lower mainland are also declining inquality and quantity. Sites in the lower Fraser Valleyappear to be less threatened, although when the loss of lower mainland sitesare considered, the range is contracting toward this smaller area.

COSEWIC History
The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) was created in 1977 as a result of a recommendation at the Federal-Provincial Wildlife Conference held in 1976. It arose from the need for a single, official, scientifically sound, national listing of wildlife species at risk. In 1978, COSEWIC designated its first species and produced its first list of Canadian species at risk. Species designated at meetings of the full committee are added to the list. On June 5, 2003, the Species at Risk Act (SARA) was proclaimed. SARA establishes COSEWIC as an advisory body ensuring that species will continue to be assessed under a rigorous and independent scientific process.

COSEWIC Mandate
The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) assesses the national status of wild species, subspecies, varieties, or other designatable units that are considered to be at risk in Canada. Designations are made on native species for the following taxonomic groups: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, arthropods, molluscs, vascular plants, mosses, and lichens.

COSEWIC Membership
COSEWIC comprises members from each provincial and territorial government wildlife agency, four federal entities (Canadian Wildlife Service, Parks Canada Agency, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Federal Biodiversity Information Partnership, chaired by the Canadian Museum of Nature), three non-government science members and the co-chairs of the species specialist subcommittees and the Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge subcommittee. The Committee meets to consider status reports on candidate species.

Definitions (2013)

Wildlife Species
A species, subspecies, variety, or geographically or genetically distinct population of animal, plant or other organism, other than a bacterium or virus, that is wild by nature and is either native to Canada or has extended its range into Canada without human intervention and has been present in Canada for at least 50 years.
Extinct (X)
A wildlife species that no longer exists.
Extirpated (XT)
A wildlife species no longer existing in the wild in Canada, but occurring elsewhere.
Endangered (E)
A wildlife species facing imminent extirpation or extinction.
Threatened (T)
A wildlife species likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed.
Special Concern (SC)*
A wildlife species that may become a threatened or an endangered species because of a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats.
Not at Risk (NAR)**
A wildlife species that has been evaluated and found to be not at risk of extinction given the current circumstances.
Data Deficient (DD)***
A category that applies when the available information is insufficient (a) to resolve a species’ eligibility for assessment or (b) to permit an assessment of the species’ risk of extinction.

* Formerly described as “Vulnerable” from 1990 to 1999, or “Rare” prior to 1990.
** Formerly described as “Not In Any Category”, or “No Designation Required.”
*** Formerly described as “Indeterminate” from 1994 to 1999 or “ISIBD” (insufficient scientific information on which to base a designation) prior to 1994. Definition of the (DD) category revised in 2006.

The Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada, provides full administrative and financial support to the COSEWIC Secretariat.

COSEWIC Status Report on the Dun Skipper Euphyes vestris vestris in Canada - 2013

Wildlife Species Description and Significance

Name and Classification

Scientific Name: Euphyes vestris (Boisduval 1852)

Classification:
Kingdom (Animalia); Phylum (Arthropoda); Class (Hexapoda); Order (Lepidoptera); Family (Hesperiidae); Genus (Euphyes); Species (E. vestris); Subspecies (E. v. vestris)

Synonyms:
The species was originallydescribed by Boisduval (1852) as Hesperiavestris. Shepard (2000ab) states“several recent books give the species name as Euphyes ruricola (Boisduval). However, this name cannot be assignedto any known taxon and is a nomen dubia (MacNeil 1964; Brown and McGuire 1983).” Pelham (2008) lists the following synonyms: Pamphila osceola (Lintner 1898), Euphyes osceola (Lintner 1898), Euphyes californica (Mabille 1883), Pamphila californica (Mabille 1883) andHesperia vestris Boisduval 1852.

Type Specimen:
The type locality is SpanishRanch Road at Meadow Valley, 3600' (1100 m), Plumas County, California(Emmel et al. 1998; Pelham 2008). Theholotype is housed at The Natural History Museum, London, England.

English Names:
Dun Skipper (western population)(Shepard 2000ab), Western Dun Skipper (NatureServe 2011), Immaculate Skipper(associated with former name, Hesperiavestris) (Guppy and Shepard 2001). Sedge Witch and Dun Sedge Skipper referto other subspecies of Dun Skipper.

French Names:
Hespérie rurale.

Taxonomic Background and Similarities:
Two Dun Skippersubspecies are known to occur in Canada: Dun Skipper (western population) (Euphyes vestris vestris Boisduval 1852) and Dun Skipper (eastern population) (E. v. metacomet T. Harris 1862) (Layberry et al. 1998; NatureServe 2011). Elsewhere in North America a thirdsubspecies, E. v. harbisoni (Brownand McGuire 1983) occurs in southern California (NatureServe 2011; Warren et al. 2010) and a fourth, E. v. kiowah (Reakirt 1866) in southeastWyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and northwest Mexico (Warren et al. 2010) (see Global Distribution).According to C. Guppy (pers. comm. 2013), the FraserCanyon and Vancouver Island populations are each morphologically distinctive, and mayprove to be two new subspecies, separate from E. v. vestris. Therehas not been any taxonomic work to confirm this separation and the subspeciesis treated as one taxonomic unit for the purposes of this status report.

Henceforth “Dun Skipper” refers to Dun Skipper (western population, E. v. vestris) unless stated otherwise.

Morphological Description

Adults

TheDun Skipper is a small, butterfly-like lepidopteran (wingspan 23 – 32 mm) withuniform chocolate brown-purplish wings and tan fringes at the outer wingmargins (Figure 1 and 2). Females and males have slightly different markings onthe wings: females have small white cloudy spots on both the forewing andhindwing dorsal surfaces, and the hindwing ventral surfaces have a palepurplish crescent. Males have a black stigma (scent scale patch) on theforewings, and the wing bases are darker. The head and thorax of adults (bothsexes) is yellowish-orange (Guppy and Shepard 2001; Layberry et al. 1998).

Figure 1. Dun Skipper: adult male on Spreading Dogbane,July 1, 2009, adjacent to a gas pipeline right-of-way near Hope, B.C. Photograph by Denis Knopp.

Photo of an adult male Dun Skipper (lateral view) on Spreading Dogbane.

Long Description for Figure 1

Figure 2. Dun Skipper: adult male on Spreading Dogbane,July 7, 2010, adjacent to a gas pipeline right-of-way near Hope, B.C. Photograph by Denis Knopp.

Photo of an adult male Dun Skipper, dorsal view, on Spreading Dogbane.

Eggs

Eggs have not been observed in B.C. Based on observationsof the eastern subspecies, eggs are pale green, globular, and smooth (Guppy andShepard, 2001; Brown and McGuire 1983; Heitzman 1965). Prior to hatching, eggsbecome reddish (Pyle 2002; Guppy and Shepard 2001).

Larvae

Based on the eastern subspecies, larvae have a pale greenand shiny body with many fine, wavy, silvery lines. A black to caramel colouredstripe surrounds the head and there is a brown longitudinal stripe on each side(Guppy and Shepard 2001; Layberry et al. 1998).

Pupae

Basedon the eastern subspecies, pupae are various shades of yellow, brown and lightgreen (eNature.com 2011).

Genetic Description

There have been no genetic studies to clarifythe relationship between Dun Skipper subspecies. There are no genetic datapertaining to conservation significance among or within populations of the DunSkipper in B.C.

Population Spatial Structure and Variability

No studies on population spatial structure andvariability are available for the Dun Skipper in B.C.

Designatable Units

The Dun Skipper is restricted to a small regionof southwestern British Columbia, andtherefore consists of one designatable unit in Canada.

Special Significance

The Dun Skipper is used by conservation organizations torepresent the importance of rare and endangered species throughout thesouthwestern portion of B.C. Conservation organizations such as Salt Spring Conservancy (R. Annschild 2010), Galiano Conservancy (S.A. Blanchette pers. comm. 2010; T. Crowe pers. comm. 2010), and Denman Island Conservancy (A. Fyson pers. comm. 2010) use Dun Skipper as a broad umbrella for protection ofhabitats associated with the species, when informing private landowners aboutstewardship opportunities.

Thereis no information that suggests that the Dun Skipper has an important culturalor economic role for First Nations people in the region.

Distribution


Global Range

The Dun Skipper is at the northernmost extent ofits global range in southwestern B.C. (Figure 3). The subspecies rangess outhward into the Cascade Mountains in Washington State (NatureServe 2011), throughwestern Oregon and into northern California (A. Warren pers. comm. 2010).

Figure 3. Global range of all Dun Skipper subspecies. Note the Dun Skipper (Euphyes vestris vestris)in western North America.

Map showing the global range of all Dun Skipper subspecies.

Long Description for Figure 3

The North American range extent of other subspeciesof the Dun Skipper is in question due to lack of distribution records andtaxonomic uncertainty (Figure 3). The eastern population (E. v. metacomet) occurs from Alberta east through the southernparts of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick, southeastthrough Montana, South Dakota, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana, and eastward to the Atlantic coast (NatureServe 2011). A thirdsubspecies, E. v. kiowah occursthroughout southeast Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and northwest Mexico (Warren et al. 2010). The geographic separation between E. v. metacomet and E. v. kiowah is not known in detail (A. Warren, pers. comm. 2010). A fourth subspecies, E. v. harbisoni, occurs in southern California (C. Guppy pers. comm. 2011; NatureServe 2011; Warren etal. 2010) and has also been confirmed in extreme northern Baja (A. Warren pers. comm. 2010).

Canadian Range

The Canadian range of the Dun Skipper is well known. It is restricted to southwestern B.C. within the lowlands of the Fraser Valleyand the Fraser Canyon,the southern Gulf Islands and southeastern Vancouver Island (Figure 4). On Vancouver Island, it ranges from the Victoria area north to Courtenay and Comox. Known Gulf Islandsites include Salt Spring Island, Denman Islandand Hornby Island. Along the FraserRiver, it ranges from Lillooet south through Boston Bar, Yale and Hope and into the Lower Mainland at Agassiz, Chilliwack, and BurnsBog. North of the Fraser, it is known from Pemberton and Powell River.Based on known records, the historic and present (combined) extent of occurrence (EO) is 32,597 km2 (25,924 km2 for themainland and 6673 km2 for Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands) (Figure 4). Approximately 15% of the global range is estimated to be in Canada.

Figure 4. Canadian range of the Dun Skipper, asillustrated with point data. The map shows the general site for unknown datarecords at Powell River (one record) andHope (one record). These sites are not included in the IAO calculations in Figure 5.

Map showing the Canadian range of the Dun Skipper.

Long Description for Figure 4

Figure 5. Dun Skipper distribution, overlain with 2x2 km grid, showing an index of area of occupancy of 280 km2. IAO for extant sites (31 known sites) is 236 km2. IAO iscalculated from mapped polygons provided by the B.C. Conservation Data Centre (2010). The map excludes the sites for which extant status is unknown, butthese sites are listed in Table 1 and included in the calculation.

Map illustrating index of area of occupancy (IAO) for the Dun Skipper, vestris subspecies, in Canada.

Long Description for Figure 5

Since the initial status report in 2000 (Shepard 2000b), the northeastern edges of the range have had significant search effort (Figure 6), and the range has been extended slightly, specifically within the Hope area and within a 25 km stretch of habitat through Boston Bar (see number 16, Figure 6) (Knopp et al. 2007,2009, 2010). Yet search effort in 2010 provided substantial null data, suggesting the range limit may now be well known along the lower Fraser Valley (D. Knopp pers. comm. 2010; Knopp et al. 2010). The northern range limit along the Sunshine Coast may extend approximately 50 km north of Powell River to Lund (Figure 4) although north of Lund habitat is difficultto access (no roads) and the open wet disturbed and meadow habitats are less common. Search effort by Page et al. (2009, 2010) suggests there is less suitable habitat north of Comox toward Campbell River (Figure 6). The combined possible search area where the extent of occurrence may beextended on the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Islandis at the most approximately 2000 km2, an increase in possible EO ofabout 6 per cent.

Figure 6. Dun Skipper site records nested within numberedbiological populations (see Tables 1, 6).

Map showing Dun Skipper, vestris subspecies, site records nested within numbered biological populations in Canada.
Table 1. Detailed Dun Skipper collection records,sightings and site names (B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012). The number inthe first column refers to the biological population named in Table 6 and mappedin Figure 6.
Biological population number (Figure 6) Site name or collection name* Observation information Observation date Observer/
collector (as stated at BC CDC)
Reference for observation Land tenure Considered extant (record > 2001) or extirpated (record < 2001) Number of landowners
1 CowichanStation (Vancouver Island) 1996: One observation. 1996-07-15 Marven, D. B.C.Conservation Data Centre 2012 Private Extirpated likely (1996) 1
2 OldQuarry Road (Vancouver Island) 1996: One observation at edge of clear-cut. 1996-07-21 Marven, D. B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 Private Extirpated likely (1996) 1
3 Colpman Creek (Vancouver Island) 1994: Colpman Creek: 1 observation at edge of clear-cut; low bush and sparse grass. 1994-07-10 Ansell, S. and G. Ansell B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 Private Extirpated likely (1994) 1
3 Spectacle Lake (Vancouver Island) 1956: Spectacle Lake: 1 female collected; specimenlocated at RBCM. 1956-07-05 Hardy, G.A. Shepard 2000b Unknown(Private or Provincial Park) Extirpated likely (1956) 1
3 Spectacle Lake (Vancouver Island 1963: Spectacle Lake: 1 male collected; specimenlocated at RBCM 1963-06-05 Hardy, G.A. Shepard 2000b N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(1963)
N/A- counted above
3 VanHome Creek (Vancouver Island) 2003: Van Home Creek: 2 observations at intersection of Shawnigan Lake Road and E/N Railway 2003-07-22 Miskelly, J. B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 Private Extant
(2003)
1
4 Mount Tzuhalem (Vancouver Island) 1994: One observation. In rough grass at edge of gravel road. Lots being developedalong this road - this precise site may now be gone but likely habitatremaining. 2004 (unknown date) N/A B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 Private Extirpated
(2004)
1
5 Cobble Hill (Vancouver Island) 1995: One observation 1995-06-18 Ansell, S. and G. Ansell B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 Private Extirpated likely (1995) 1
6 Nanaimo Lakes Rd (Vancouver Island) 1988: One collected 1988 Guppy, C. B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 Private Forestland Extant
(1988; 2010; 2011)
1
6 Nanaimo Lakes Rd (Vancouver Island) 2010: 7 observed during surveys 2010 Lilley, P. Page,Lilley and Heron 2010 N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(2010
N/A- counted above
6 Nanaimo Lakes Rd (Vancouver Island) 2011: 9 observed during surveys 2011 Parkinson.L. and J. Brooks J. Heron pers. data 2011 N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(2011)
N/A- counted above
7 Port Alberni, northeast of (Vancouver Island) 2003: 10-20 observed nectaring on Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris) over a 0.2 ha logged area. Cherry Creek Area 2003-07-31 Avis, R. B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 Private Extant
(2003)
1
8 Mount Currie (Mainland) 2001: 3 observations on Self-heal 2001-07-03 Marven, D. B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 Private Extant
(2001)
1
8 Mount Currie (Mainland) 2001: 11 observations on Self-heal 2001-07-05 Marven, D. B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(2001)
N/A- counted above
8 Mount Currie (Mainland) 2001: 3 observations on Self-heal 2001-07-04 Marven, D. B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(2001)
N/A- counted above
9 Shawnigan Lake, west of (Vancouver Island) 2003: 7 observations. Observed at south side of Kinsol Trestle. 2003-07-17 Miskelly, J. B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 Private Extant
(2003)
1
9 Shawnigan Lake, west of (Vancouver Island) 2003: 2 observations. Observed at south side of Kinsol Trestle. 2003-07-22 Miskelly, J. B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(2003)
N/A- counted above
9 Shawnigan Lake, west of (Vancouver Island) 2003: 1 observations. Observed at south side of Kinsol Trestle. 2003-08-03 Miskelly, J. B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(2003)
N/A- counted above
10 Big Sicker Mountain, Mount Prevost Road (Vancouver Island) 2003: One observation at Big Sicker Mountain. 2003-07-18 Miskelly, J. B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 Private Extant
(2003)
1
10 Little Sicker Mountain (Vancouver Island) 1963: 1 male collected; specimen at American Museum of NaturalHistory. 1963-05-28 Guppy, R. Shepard 2000b Private Unknown
(1954)
1
10 Little Sicker Mountain (Vancouver Island) 1963: 1 male collected; specimen at American Museum of NaturalHistory. 1963-06-22 Guppy, R. Shepard 2000b N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(1963)
N/A- counted above
10 Little Sicker Mountain (Vancouver Island) 1976: 1 male collected (N. Kondla collection). 1976-07-23 Guppy, R. Shepard 2000b N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(1963)
N/A- counted above
10 LittleSicker Mountain (Vancouver Island) 1954: 1 female collected; specimen at American Museum of NaturalHistory. 1954-06-24 Guppy, R. Shepard 2000b N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(1976)
N/A- counted above
10 Mount Prevost (Vancouver Island) 1956: 2 males collected; specimens are at Royal BC Museum. 1956-07-14 Hardy, G.A. Shepard 2000b Private Unknown
(1956)
1
10 Mount Prevost (Vancouver Island) 1956: 2 males collected; specimens are at Royal BC Museum. 1956-07-07 Hardy, G.A. Shepard 2000b N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(1956)
N/A- counted above
10 Somenos Garry Oak Protected Area (Vancouver Island) 1976: 1 male collected; (N. Kondla collection). 1976-07-30 Guppy, R. Shepard 2000b B.C. Crown (Provincial Park) Extirpated
likely (1976)
1
10 Somenos Garry Oak Protected Area (Vancouver Island) 1977: 1 male collected; (N. Kondla collection). 1977-07-13 Guppy, R. Shepard 2000b N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(1977)
N/A- counted above
10 Somenos Garry Oak Protected Area (Vancouver Island) 1978: 1 male collected; (N. Kondla collection). 1978-07-14 Guppy, R. Shepard 2000b N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(1978)
N/A- counted above
11 Powell River (Mainland) Nodate or observation information Nodate N/A Shepard 2000b Unknown Unknown
(date unknown)
1
12 Koksilah River (Vancouver Island) 2003: 1 seen in a clear-cut next to Koksilah Provincial Park. 2003-07-30 Miskelly, J. B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 Private Extant
(2003)
1
13 Francis King Park (Vancouver Island) 1962: Francis/King Park: 2 males collected (RBCM Specimens). 1962-07-02 Hardy, G.A. Shepard 2000b B.C. Crown (Provincial Park) Extirpated likely
(1962)
1
13 Francis King Park (Vancouver Island) 1962: Francis/King Park: 1 male collected (RBCM specimen). 1962-07-16 Hardy, G.A. Shepard 2000b N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(1962)
N/A- counted above
13 Francis King Park (Vancouver Island) 1962: Francis/King Park: 1 male collected (RBCM specimen). 1962-07-22 Hardy, G.A. Shepard 2000b N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(1962)
N/A- counted above
13 Francis King Park (Vancouver Island) 1962: Francis/King Park: 1 male collected (RBCM specimen). 1962-07-27 Hardy, G.A. Shepard 2000b N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(1962)
N/A- counted above
13 Francis King Park (Vancouver Island) 1962: Francis/King Park: 1 male collected (RBCM specimens). 1962-07-09 Hardy, G.A. Shepard 2000b N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(1962)
N/A- counted above
13 Thetis Lake Park (Vancouver Island) 1962: Thetis Lake Park: 2 males collected (RBCM specimen). 1962-07-21 Hardy, G.A. Shepard 2000b Local government (Capital Regional District) Extirpatedlikely
(1962)
1
13 Thetis Lake Park (Vancouver Island) 1963: Thetis Lake Park: 1 female collected (RBCM specimen). 1963-07-16 Hardy, G.A. Shepard 2000b N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(1963)
N/A- counted above
14 Wellington (Vancouver Island) 1951: 2 males collected; specimens (California Academy of Sciences) 1951-06-26 Guppy, R. Shepard 2000b Private Extirpated likely
(1951)
4
14 Wellington (Vancouver Island) 1960: 2 females collected specimens (California Academy of Sciences.) 1960-08-05 Guppy, R. Shepard 2000b N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(1960)
N/A- counted above
14 Wellington (Vancouver Island) 1963: 1 male collected; specimens held at American Museumof Natural History. 1963-07-26 Guppy, R. Shepard 2000b N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(1963)
N/A- counted above
14 Wellington (Vancouver Island) 1979: 1 male collected; N. Kondla collection. 1979-06-24 Guppy, R. Shepard 2000b N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(1979)
N/A- counted above
15 Goldstream (Vancouver Island) 1902: 1 male collected; specimen located at University of British Columbia. 1902-07-02 Blackmore, E.H. Shepard 2000b Unknown (Private or Provincial Park) Extirpated likely
(1902)
2 (accounts for possibility there are two landowners – private or provincial park)
15 Goldstream (Vancouver Island) 1902: 1 female collected; specimen located at University of British Columbia. 1902-07-03 Blackmore,E.H. Shepard 2000b N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(1902)
N/A- counted above
15 Goldstream (Vancouver Island) 1902: 1 female collected; specimen located at University of British Columbia. 1902-07-27 Blackmore, E.H. Shepard 2000b N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(1902)
N/A- counted above
15 Goldstream (Vancouver Island) 1902: 1 male collected; specimen located at University of British Columbia. 1902-07-20 Blackmore, E.H. Shepard 2000b N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(1902)
N/A- counted above
15 Goldstream (Vancouver Island) 1904: 1 male collected; specimen located at Royal British Columbia Museum. 1904-07-01 Unknown Shepard2000b N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(1904)
N/A- counted above
15 Goldstream (Vancouver Island) 1904: 1 male collected; specimen located at Royal British Columbia Museum. 1904-07-19 Unknown Shepard 2000b N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(1904)
N/A- counted above
15 Goldstream(Vancouver Island) 1923: 1 female collected; specimen located at University of British Columbia. 1923-06-24 Auden, K.F. Shepard 2000b N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(1923)
N/A- counted above
15 Goldstream(Vancouver Island) 1923:1 male collected; specimen located at University of BritishColumbia. 1923-06-17 Auden, K.F. Shepard 2000b N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(1923)
N/A- counted above
15 Goldstream (Vancouver Island) 1923: 1 male collected; specimen located at Washington State University. 1923-07-11 Clarke, J.F.G. Shepard 2000b N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(1923)
N/A- counted above
16 Boston Bar (Mainland) 1949: 1 male collected; specimen held at Royal BC Museum. The sites range alongabout 25 km of the highway. 1949-06-05 Cooper, J.K. Shepard 2000b Unknown(private or B.C. Crown) Unknown
(1949)
1
16 Boston Bar (Mainland) 1949: 2 males collected; specimens held at Royal BC Museum. The sites range along about 25 km of the highway. 1949-06-06 Cooper, J.K. Shepard 2000b N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(1949)
N/A- counted above
16 Boston Bar; Ainslie Creek (Mainland) 2002: 1 adult of undetermined sex observed. The sites range along about 25 km ofthe highway. 2002-06-25 Knopp, D. Knopp et al. 2008 B.C. Crown Extant
(2002)
1
16 Boston Bar; Green Canyon (Mainland) 2002: 1 adult of undetermined sex observed. The sites range along about 25 km ofthe highway. 2002-06-21 Knopp,D. Knopp et al. 2008 B.C. Crown Extant
(2002)
1
16 Boston Bar; Green Canyon (Mainland) 2002: 12 adults observed of unknown sex; 2 more observed 'at logging road'. Thesites range along about 25 km of the highway. 2002-06-22 Knopp, D. and C. Guppy Knopp et al. 2008 N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(2002)
N/A- counted above
16 Boston Bar; Green Canyon (Mainland) 2002: 6 adults of undetermined sex observed. The sites range along about 25 km ofthe highway. 2002-07-03 Knopp, D. Knopp et al. 2008 N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(2002)
N/A- counted above
16 Boston Bar; Green Canyon (Mainland) 2003: 2 adults of undetermined sex observed. The sites range along about 25 km ofthe highway. 2003-06-24 Knopp, D. and D. Threatful Knopp et al. 2008 N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(2003)
N/A- counted above
16 Boston Bar; Green Canyon (Mainland) 2007: 1 adult female with worn and tattered wings was observed nectaring on dogbanegrowing within close proximity to a dry vernal pool that had formed in adepression and was surrounded by sedges. The sites range along about 25 km ofthe highway. 2007-08-02 Knopp, D. Knopp et al. 2008 N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(2007)
N/A- counted above
16 Boston Bar; Inkahtsaph Creek (Mainland) 2002: 1 male and 1 female collected from the highway. The sites range along about25 km of the highway. 2002-06-23 Guppy, C. B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 Private Extant
(2002)
1
16 Boston Bar; Logging Road (Mainland) 2002: 1 adult of undetermined sex observed along logging road. The sites rangealong about 25 km of the highway. 2002-06-22 Knopp,D. and C. Guppy Knopp et al. 2008 B.C. Crown Extant
(2002)
1
16 Boston Bar; Logging Road (Mainland) 2002: 8 males and 1 female collected at a logging road. The sites range along about 25 km of the highway. 2002-06-23 Guppy, C. B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(2002)
N/A- counted above
16 Boston Bar; N of Jamieson Creek (Mainland) 2002: Two males and one female collected from a ditch on the side of the highway. The sites range along about 25 km of the highway. 2002-06-23 Guppy, C. B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 Private Extant
(2002)
1
16 Boston Bar; S of Fishblue Lake Turnoff (Mainland) 2002: 1 adult of undetermined sex; nectars on white-rein orchid. The sites range along about 25 km of the highway. 2002-06-25 Knopp, D. Knopp et al. 2008 B.C. Crown Extant
(2002)
1
16 BostonBar; Sho-ook Indian Reserve (Mainland) 2002: 7 adults of undetermined sex observed performing a mating display. The sitesrange along about 25 km of the highway. 2002-06-25 Knopp, D. Knopp et al. 2008 FederalIndian Reserve Extant
(2002)
1
16 Ceanothus Hills (Mainland) 2002: 1 adult of undetermined sex observed on high peak on Boothroyd IR 6A. Thesites range along about 25 km of the highway. 2002-02-26 Knopp, D. Knopp et al. 2008 B.C. Crown Extant
(2002)
1
16 Ceanothus Hills (Mainland) 2002: 2 adults of unknown sex observed on eastern hilltop. The sites range alongabout 25 km of the highway. 2002-07-05 Knopp, D. Knopp et al. 2008 N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(2002)
N/A- counted above
16 Hell's Gate, South of 2002: 3 adults of undetermined sex observed. The sites range along about 25 km ofthe highway. 2002-06-25 Knopp, D. Knopp et al. 2008 B.C. Crown Extant
(2002)
1
16 Nahatlatch Forest Service Road (Mainland) 2007: One male observation was near the muddy edge of a creek adjacent to a largeand flat artificial clearing on the west side of the forest service road. Thesites range along about 25 km of the highway. 2007-07-13 Knopp, D. Knopp et al. 2008 B.C. Crown Extant
(2007)
1
17 "Hope" (Mainland) 1918: 1 male specimen collected from Hope (Shepard 2000). The only information forthis record is the date and "Hope", therefore habitat or detailed site unknown. 1918   Shepard 2000b Unknown Extant
(2007)
1
17 Gas Pipeline Crossing Hwy7 (Mainland) 2002: 2 individuals observed in this site (Knopp et al. 2008). 2002-07-03 Knopp, D. Knopp et al. 2008 B.C. Crown N/A- counted above
(2007)
1
17 Gas Pipeline Crossing Hwy7 (Mainland) 2007: 13 adults observed at 3 sites (2 male, 1 female, 10 unknown). South-facing cliff on Hwy#7 with hydro right-of-way at base. 2007-07-05 Knopp, D. Knopp et al. 2008 N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(2007)
N/A- counted above
17 Gas Pipeline Crossing Hwy7 (Mainland) 2007: 6 adults observed, spread out throughout area: 1 female, 5 unknown. 2007-07-09 Knopp, D. Knopp et al. 2008 N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(2007)
N/A- counted above
18 Denman Island 2007: Two individuals observed in regenerating clearcut. 2007 Guppy, C. Guppy et al. 2007 Private(Conservation Land) Extant
(2007)
1
19 Andrew Place (Salt Spring Island, Gulf Islands) 2003: observation on either side of the road, basking in the long grass andnectaring on blue sage 2003-08-12 vanPatten, N. B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 Private Extant
(2008)
1
19 Andrew Place (Salt Spring Island, Gulf Islands) 2004: observation on either side of the road, basking in the long grass andnectaring on blue sage 2004-06-22 vanPatten, N. B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 N/A- counted above N/A- counted above (2009) N/A- counted above
19 Andrew Place (Salt Spring Island, Gulf Islands) 2007: 1 male observed within 500 m of previous sightings. 1 male observed baskingand flying within 500 m of previous observations. Potential breeding habitatis approximately 200 square metres. 2007-07-16 Miskelly, J. and R. Annschild B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 N/A- counted above Extant
(2003)
N/A- counted above
19 Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park 2008: 1 observation 2008 Retzer Miller, C. C.Retzer Miller pers. comm. 2010 B.C. Crown (Provincial Park) N/A- counted above
(2004)
1
19 Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park (Salt Spring Island) 2009: 1 observation 2009 Retzer Miller, C. C.Retzer Miller pers. comm. 2011 N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(2007)
N/A- counted above
20 Burns Bog 72nd Ave & Hwy (Mainland) 2004: 5 Dun Skippers observed. 2004-06-25 Heron, J. B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 Private Extant
(2004)
4
21 Helliwell Provincial Park(Hornby Island, Gulf Islands) 2004: 1 Dun Skipper observed adjacent to Garry oak and pine woodland area, about 15metres off the trail along the forest edge, within grasses. 2004-SU Heron, J. B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 B.C. Crown (Provincial Park) Extant
(2004)
1
21 Helliwell Provincial Park (Hornby Island, Gulf Islands) 2004: 1 Dun Skipper observed. 2004-06 Miskelly, J. B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(2004)
N/A- counted above
22 Morris Valley Hemlock Valley Ski Hill Road (Mainland) 2007: 1 male observed in weedy area at the junction of logging road and Hemlock Ski Hill Road. 2007-07-04 Knopp, D. Knopp et al. 2008 B.C. Crown Extant
(2007)
1
23 Soowahlie Indian Reserve 14 (Mainland) 2004: One individual observed near old gravel pit. 1 adult of unknown sex 2004-06-27 Knopp, D. Knopp et al. 2008 Federal Indian Reserve Extant
(2004)
1
24 Yale 2001: 4 individuals observed just north of the Community of Yale taking nectar on heal-all. 2001-07-05 Knopp, D. B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012 Private Extant
(2001)
1
25 Conrad; Highway pull-off (Mainland) 2007: Five individuals at a highway pull off. Three male and two females. 2007-07-14 Knopp, D. Knopp et al. 2008 B.C. Crown Extant
(2007)
1
25 Conrad; Highway pull-off (Mainland) 2007: One observation nectaring on alfalfa adjacent to culvert. 2007-07-28 Knopp, D. Knopp et al. 2008 N/A- counted above N/A- counted above
(2007)
N/A- counted above
25 Highway 1 Seep (Mainland) 2002: one individual at a roadside seep. 2002-06-26 Knopp, D. Knopp et al. 2008 B.C. Crown Extant
(2002)
1

Summary of Table 1
Total number of landowners: 51 (maximum, given the unknown land ownership and vague collection records) comprised of:

  • 2 federal Indian Reserves
  • 26 private landowners including
    • 1 private conservation land (Denman Conservancy Association);
    • 3 local government land parks: Thetis Lake Capital Regional District Park; Francis/King Capital Regional District Park; Burns Bog Metro Vancouver Ecological Conservancy Area
  • 3 Provincial Parks – Helliwell Provincial Park; Somenos Ecological Reserve, Burgoyne Provincial Park
  • 14 B.C. Crown land (forest land, excluding provincial parks), each parcel is considered separate; all sites are on the mainland.
  • Number of sites with unknown landowner status and not possible to determine extirpated or extant): 5
    • 2 sites (3 collection records) unknown as to whether or not record was within Goldstream Provincial Park (2 collection years) and Spectacle Lake Provincial Park (1 collection year), or on private land adjacent to these parks, because the records are vague and historic.
    • 3 sites with vague historic collection data and where the current general area has extensive development.
  • Number of extant sites (sites confirmed and skipper observed from 2001 – present): 25/51 (50%) sites belonging to 17 biological populations (Figure 6 numbers 3, 6, 7-10, 12, 16-25) and 28 different landowners.
  • Number of sites with no observations since 2001 and/or likely extirpated: 11/50, belonging to 8 biological populations (1, 2, 4, 5, 11, 13, 14, 15)
Table 2. Recent surveys that included Dun Skipper habitat.
General survey sites and date Person hours searched during Dun Skipper flight season Distance searched Dun Skipper found during survey Historic sites included in this survey Report citation
2001, Southern Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands N/A N/A None Unknown Guppy and Fisher 2001
2003, Hornby Island Butterfly Inventory 106 N/A None N/A Miskelly 2003
2004, Metro Vancouver Parks 41 hours 13 parks None None Grant 2004
2007, Denman and Hornby islands April 28 – June 13 (private and public land) 168.4 hours 288.1 km None Helliwell Provincial Park; remainder of habitat searched was for new records. Page et al. 2007
2007, Denman Island Settlement Lands N/A N/A 2 N/A Guppy et al. 2007
2007, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (May through August) 90.7 hours 18 sites (total area 1589 ha); 4 visits to each site None None Fenneman 2008
2007, Lower Fraser Valley 7.7 hours (at confirmed localities only) 4.3 km at confirmed localities; 500 km roads searching for suitable habitat 22 observations; 5 sites None Knopp et al.2007
2008, Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park, Salt Spring Island N/A N/A 1 observation; one site None Miskelly 2009
2008, Courtenay, Comox, Denman island and Hornby island, May 15 – June 14 (private and public land) 64.3 hours 72.5 km (58.6 km by foot; 13.9 km by car) None Helliwell Provincial Park; remainder of habitat searched was for new records. Page et al.2008a
2008, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (federal)
May through August
N/A 18 sites (total area 1589 ha); 4 visits to each site None no historic records known from these survey sites Guppy 2009
2008, Southern Vancouver Island May 4 – May 17, 2008 (private land) 59.3 hours 95.6 km None None Page et al. 2008b
2009, Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park, Salt Spring Island N/A N/A 1 observation; 1 site None Miskelly 2008
2009, Courtenay, Comox and other areas on southern Vancouver Island 2009 (private land) May 21 – August 26, 2009 104.2 hours 380.7 km None Courtenay and Comox areas (although specific site of historic record is unknown) Page, Lilley and Heron 2009
2009, Denman Island 2009 (private land) 17 days,
2 – 3 surveyors per day
NA
~ 809 ha area
None N/A J. Heron, pers. data 2010
2009, Harrison Lake Area, lower Fraser Valley 91.7 hours 217.8 km None None Parkinson et al. 2009
2009, Lepidoptera surveys in Victoria Parks May 30 – 31, 2009 6.2 hours 20.8 km through 8 parks in the City of Victoria None N/A Page and Lilley 2009
2009, Lower Fraser Valley 107 hours (foot); 2,555 km vehicle (scanning appropriate sites); 233 km boat (shoreline habitat) 17 km (foot) 2 confirmed; 3 unconfirmed None Knopp et al. 2009
2010 Lower Fraser Valley 59 hours (foot) 48 km (foot);
4334 km (vehicle);
62 km (boat)
9 confirmed 2 previously known sites Knopp et al.2010
2010, Butterfly Surveys in southeastern Vancouver Island 106.2 hours 332.2 km 18 observations; 3 sites 7 previously known sites Page et al. 2010
2011, Butterfly Surveys in southeastern Vancouver Island 117.5 hours 203.7 km 9
(2 confirmed; 7 (unconfirmed)
Previously known site Heron pers. data 2011
Total 1129.2 hours minimum by walking 1660.7 walking;
4847 driving (assessing habitat by slowly travelling logging roads)
67 Dun Skippers    
Table 3. Academic butterfly research studies within the range and potential habitat of the Dun Skipper. Some of these studies were not specifically targeting Dun Skippers, and were only for a portion of the species flight period. However, if the species was present the researcher would have noted the occurrence.
General survey area Component of research applicable to Dun Skipper search effort Dates Researcher or citation
Southern Vancouver Island Butterfly research in Garry Oak ecosystems at a minimum of nine sites 2004 – 2009 J. Hellmann pers. comm. 2009
Salt Spring Island Butterfly research in Garry Oak ecosystems 2004 – 2009 D. Clements, pers. comm. 2008
Southern Vancouver Island Pollinator research in Garry Oak ecosystems 2004 – 2009 E. Elle pers. comm. 2009
Southern Vancouver Island Butterfly research in Garry Oak ecosystems 2003 – 2005 W. Hallstrom pers. comm. 2009
Lower Fraser Valley Pollinator and butterfly surveys on farms, gardens, parks and agricultural lands in the lower Fraser Valley 2010 Parkinson and Heron 2010
Table 4. Yearly life cycle of the Dun Skipper in B.C. (B.C. Conservation Data Centre, 2011).
  Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Eggs         Begins mid May Cont Cont Ends early Aug        
Larvae       Begins early Apr Cont Cont Cont Ends mid Aug        
Dormant Larvae Begins early Jan Cont Ends mid Mar     Begins late June Cont Cont Cont Cont Ends  
Pupae (brief)     Begins early Mar Ends mid Apr                
Adults       Begins Cont Cont Ends          
Table 5. IUCN Threats calculator results for Dun Skipper (Euphyes vestris) in Canada. Accessible version of Table 5
Dun Skipper (Euphyes vestris)
Date of Assessment: 2013-01-28
Assessors: Jennifer Heron, Dave Fraser, Lea Gelling, Leah Ramsay
Threat Impact Level 1 Threat Impact Counts
high range low range
A Very High 0 0
B High 0 0
C Medium 1 1
D Low 3 3
Calculated Overall Threat Impact: High High

The threat classification below is based on the IUCN-CMP (World Conservation Union–Conservation Measures Partnership) unified threats classification system and is consistent with methods used by COSEWIC, B.C. Conservation Data Centre and B.C. Conservation Framework (B.C. Ministry of Environment 2011a). For a detailed description of the threat classification system, see the Conservation Measures Partnership web site (CMP 2010). For information on how the values are assigned, see Master et al. (2009) and table footnotes for details. Threats for Dun Skipper were assessed across the species geographic range in Canada (Table 1).

  Threat Impact (calculated) Scope (next 10 Yrs) Severity (10 Yrs or 3 Gen.) Timing
1 Residential & commercial development Medium Restricted (11-30%) Serious (31-70%) High - Moderate
1.1 Housing & urban areas Medium Restricted (11-30%) Serious (31-70%) High (Continuing)
1.2 Commercial & industrial areas Low Small
(1-10%)
Moderate (11-30%) Moderate (Possibly in the short term, < 10 yrs)
1.3 Tourism & recreation areas Low Small
(1-10%)
Serious (31-70%) Moderate (Possibly in the short term, < 10 yrs)
2 Agriculture & aquaculture        
2.1 Annual & perennial non-timber crops Low Small
(1-10%)
Moderate (11-30%) Moderate (Possibly in the short term, < 10 yrs)
3 Energy production & mining        
3.2 Mining & quarrying Low Small
(1-10%)
Moderate (11-30%) Unknown
4 Transportation & service corridors Low Large
(31-70%)
Slight
(1-10%)
Moderate (Possibly in the short term, < 10 yrs)
4.1 Roads & railroads Low Large
(31-70%)
Slight
(1-10%)
Moderate (Possibly in the short term, < 10 yrs)
4.2 Utility & service lines Low Small
(1-10%)
Slight
(1-10%)
Moderate (Possibly in the short term, < 10 yrs)
5 Biological resource use Negligible Negligible (<1%) Slight
(1-10%)
Insignificant/Negligible (Past or no direct effect)
5.3 Logging & wood harvesting Negligible Negligible (<1%) Slight (1-10%) Insignificant/Negligible (Past or no direct effect)
6 Human intrusions & disturbance Negligible Negligible (<1%) Negligible (<1%) Insignificant/Negligible (Past or no direct effect)
6.1 Recreational activities Negligible Negligible (<1%) Negligible (<1%) Insignificant/Negligible (Past or no direct effect)
7 Natural system modifications Not a Threat
(in the assessed timeframe)
Pervasive (71-100%) Slight
(1-10%)
Low (Possibly in the long term, >10 yrs)
7.1 Fire & fire suppression Not a Threat
(in the assessed timeframe)
Pervasive (71-100%) Slight
(1-10%)
Low (Possibly in the long term, >10 yrs)
8 Invasive & other problematic species & genes Low Restricted (11-30%) Moderate (11-30%) Moderate (Possibly in the short term, < 10 yrs)
8.1 Invasive non-native/alien species Low Restricted (11-30%) Moderate (11-30%) Moderate (Possibly in the short term, < 10 yrs)
8.2 Problematic native species Low Restricted (11-30%) Moderate (11-30%) Moderate (Possibly in the short term, < 10 yrs)
9 Pollution Low Small
(1-10%)
Serious (31-70%) High (Continuing)
9.3 Agricultural & forestry effluents Low Small
(1-10%)
Serious (31-70%) High (Continuing)
9.4 Garbage & solid waste Not a Threat
(in the assessed timeframe)
Small
(1-10%)
Unknown Insignificant/Negligible (Past or no direct effect)
10 Geological events Not a Threat
(in the assessed timeframe)
Small (1-10%) Unknown Moderate (Possibly in the short term, < 10 yrs)
10.2 Earthquakes/tsunamis Not a Threat
(in the assessed timeframe)
Small
(1-10%)
Unknown Moderate (Possibly in the short term, < 10 yrs)
11 Climate change & severe weather Not a Threat
(in the assessed timeframe)
Small
(1-10%)
Slight
(1-10%)
Low (Possibly in the long term, >10 yrs)
11.2 Droughts Not a Threat
(in the assessed timeframe)
Unknown Unknown Low (Possibly in the long term, >10 yrs)
11.4 Storms & flooding Not a Threat
(in the assessed timeframe)
Small
(1-10%)
Slight
(1-10%)
Low (Possibly in the long term, >10 yrs)

a Impact – The degree to which a species is observed, inferred, or suspected to be directly or indirectly threatened in the area of interest. The impact of each stress is based on Severity and Scope rating and considers only present and future threats. Threat impact reflects a reduction of a species population or decline/degradation of the area of an ecosystem. The median rate of population reduction or area decline for each combination of scope and severity corresponds to the following classes of threat impact: very high (75% declines), high (40%), medium (15%), and low (3%). Unknown: used when impact cannot be determined (e.g., if values for either scope or severity is unknown).
b Scope – Proportion of the species that can reasonably be expected to be affected by the threat within 10 years. Usually measured as a proportion of the species’ population in the area of interest. (Pervasive = 71–100%; Large = 31–70%; Restricted = 11–30%; Small = 1–10%)
c Severity – Within the scope, the level of damage to the species from the threat that can reasonably be expected to be affected by the threat within a 10-year or three-generation timeframe. Usually measured as the degree of reduction of the species’ population (Extreme = 71–100%; Serious = 31–70%; Moderate = 11–30%; Slight = 1–10%).
d Timing – High = continuing; Moderate = only in the future (could happen in the short term [< 10 years or 3 generations]) or now suspended (could come back in the short term); Low = only in the future (could happen in the long term) or now suspended (could come back in the long term); Insignificant/Negligible = only in the past and unlikely to return, or no direct effect but limiting.
e Locations – See Table 1 for site names.

Table 6. IUCN threats applicable to each biological population of Dun Skipper. Threats were assigned to all biological populations, whether extant (records from 2001 or more recent) or extirpated (records from 2000 or earlier); thus taking into account the remote possibility the skipper may have been missed during recent surveys and the remote possibility the skipper could remain within small areas of unchecked habitats at these biological populations.
Biological population Biological population name
(B.C. CDC)
Notes on threats 1.1 1.2 1.3 2.1 2.2 2.3 3.2 4.1 4.2 5.3 6.1 7.1 8.1 8.2 9.1 9.3 10.2 11.2 11.4
Threats applicable   Notes on threats other than 7.1, 8.1 8.2, 9.3, 11.2 which apply to all biological populations. 4 1 1 1 Likely neutral Likely neutral 1 8 4 0 0 25 25 25 1 25 1 25 1
1 Cowichan Station (Vancouver Island) Natural forest succession, ongoing logging within the area may open new habitat, clear other habitat and logging roads/ditching may impact some sites. Overall threat may balance out. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
2 Mill Bay, Malahat Ridge (Vancouver Island) Natural forest succession within the clear-cut where the species was observed. Logging activities or the use of open seasonally wet areas as landings, gravel pits, or forestry works. Potential recreational use (although minor). 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
3 Malahat, Colpman and van Home Creeks; Spectacle Lake (Vancouver Island) Potential highways maintenance activities; natural forest/vegetative succession. 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
4 Mount Tzuhalem; Maple Bay (Vancouver Island) Potential for low density housing development; agricultural land clearing and ongoing livestock grazing is considered negligible. Primarily cumulative impacts from numerous threats but overall likely to create habitat too. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
5 Cobble Hill (Vancouver Island) The Cobble Hill area is rural with some small scale urban/housing development. Most of area is agricultural: land clearing (for agriculture), some livestock grazing and cumulative impacts from other listed threats. All these were considered low threats 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
6 Nanaimo River (Vancouver Island) Sites are along a logging road and utility right-of-way. Threats include natural forest succession, ongoing maintenance of roadsides (e.g., clearing and road maintenance), utility corridor maintenance and upkeep. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
7 Port Alberni, northeast of (Vancouver Island) Natural forest succession, ongoing logging within the area may open new habitat, clear other habitat and logging roads/ditching may impact some sites. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
8 Mount Currie (Mainland) Rural area: livestock grazing, agricultural land practices (clearing), natural forest succession. All these threats are considered, some low. 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
9 Shawnigan lake, west of (Vancouver Island) Some urban housing development, recreational property development and recreation during summer months. Most of the area is rural/agricultural with hobby farms. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
10 Big Sicker Mountain; Little Sicker Mountain; Mount Prevost; Somenos (Vancouver Island) Unsurveyed habitats in these areas (lower elevation areas) are threatened by some land conversion (not Threat 1, other forms). 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
11 Powell River (Sunshine Coast, mainland) There is no date with this record, difficult to assign threats. Threats are likely natural forest succession, ongoing logging within the area may open new habitat, clear other habitat and logging roads/ditching may impact some sites. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
12 Koksilah River (Vancouver Island) Natural forest succession within the clear-cut where the species was observed. Logging activities or the use of open seasonally wet areas as landings, gravel pits, or forestry works. Potential recreational use (although minor). 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
13 Colquitz; Francis King Park and Thetis Lake Park (Vancouver Island) Natural forest succession has likely been the main threat leading to the decline of butterflies within this area; growing naturally into the wetland and open areas. There is no logging in these areas. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
14 Wellington (Vancouver Island) Natural forest succession, and cumulative impacts from agricultural/land clearing, etc. may create new habitats too. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
15 Goldstream (Vancouver Island) This is a historic site, and the original habitat is unknown. Threats to this site are speculative based on the current knowledge of the area. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
16 Boston Bar (Lower Fraser Valley) The area does not have high threats, and is on the periphery of Gypsy Moth spray zone. Potential threats include agricultural land conversion, livestock grazing and cumulative impacts of small-scale utility, service lines, roads, gravel quarrying, etc. Portions of the Lillooet River could flood (minor threat). 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
17 Dog Mountain (Lower Fraser Valley) Maintenance of roadsides, clearing of areas for logging work, natural vegetative/forest succession. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
18 Denman Island (Northern Gulf Islands) Large central marsh wetland complex, linked by many hectares of open clear-cuts. Dun Skipper has been recorded within clear-cuts, and likely occurs throughout this wetland and clear-cut complex. As natural forest succession occurs, the habitat will decline. The land is a mixture of private and public ownership, and private ownership is subject to agricultural land use (clearing), livestock grazing and small footprint housing/building development. A new provincial park has a carbon covenant which stipulates forest must grow, thus leading to decline of skipper habitat in the park areas. 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
19 Salt Spring Island; south east (Southern Gulf Islands) Natural vegetative/forest succession; may also be habitats created too. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
20 Burns Bog (Lower Mainland) Portions of Burns Bog are owned by local government (Metro Vancouver, City of Vancouver and Municipality of Delta and City of Vancouver [dump site]). Habitat is consistent throughout although the skipper has been recorded in one site. There is a municipal dump on a small portion of the bog; the South Perimeter Road runs through one side of the bog (habitat loss occurred from the road construction); the area is in the flood zone and tsunami zone; there is a portion in private ownership, with future plans to develop the area into an industrial park and potential urban housing area (plans are not defined yet). 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
21 Hornby Island (Northern Gulf Islands) Helliwell Provincial Park 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
22 Morris Lake, west of (Lower Fraser Valley) Large scale ski hill development proposed at this site, increasing the footprint of the development. Dun Skipper site would be impacted because habitat would be cleared, areas would be ditched/piped to allow for housing and recreational development. 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
23 Soowahlie Indian Reserve 14 (Lower Fraser Valley) Natural forest succession, ongoing logging within the area may open new habitat, clear other habitat and logging roads/ditching may impact some sites; use of gravel pit. 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
24 Yale (Lower Fraser Valley) Natural forest succession, ongoing logging within the area may open new habitat, clear other habitat and logging roads/ditching may impact some sites, and cumulative impacts from agricultural/land clearing, etc. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
25 Lytton, south of (Lower Fraser Valley) Threats include potential highways maintenance activities; natural forest/vegetative succession. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0

The Dun Skipper has been recorded from 44 sites (Table 1). The index of area of occupancy (IAO) is estimated at 280 km2 (based upon the minimum number of 2 km X 2 km squares that cover the habitat polygons where historic and extant sites occur in Figure 5). Eleven of these sites are considered extirpated/historic (records > 15 years old), reducing the extant index of area of occupancy to a minimum of 236 km2. The status of five sites (e.g., extant or extirpated) is unknown but is still accounted for in the extant index of area of occupancy (Table 1). The actual IAO could be greater with the addition of new, undiscovered sites, but is not expected to exceed 500 km2 (C. Guppy pers. comm. 2013; D. Knopp pers. comm. 2013).

Number of Locations Based on Threats

Dun Skipper habitat patches are considered highly fragmented and most are small, isolated, and not within protected areas. Based on the threat of habitat fragmentation and private land development (based on land ownership), there are approximately 51 separate known sites and thus 51 locations for the Dun Skipper (extant and extirpated). When only extant sites are considered (records since 2001) the number is reduced to 28 locations. Of these, at least three locations are subject to immediate land development (within the next three years) and at least 14 locations are within artificially created habitats (e.g., roadside pull-outs, pipeline crossing, recent clear-cut or regenerating clear-cut) that are rapidly changing from natural or invasive vegetative succession. The most intact population appears to be a thin, 25 km-long strip of habitat within the Boston Bar area (see number 16, Figure 6).

When the 51 extant and historic Dun Skipper locations are grouped into biological populations (i.e., a contiguous habitat patch that is likely not within the dispersal distance of any other biological population) (Figure 4; Table 5), there are 25 biological populations. If we assume that Dun Skippers occur within unsurveyed habitats adjacent to these 25 populations, and assess the threats to each of these biological populations (see Table 1 and 6), 11 biological populations (representing 14 locations) have inferred habitat reduction, based on the threat of vegetative succession. This corresponds to a predicted reduction of 56 km2 (14 locations X 4 km2) in the index of area of occupancy in the next ten years.

Other threats, such as the spraying of the insecticide Btk to control European Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar L.) (see Threats), would also impact the species throughout more than half of its range (see Figure 5). However, Btk is less likely than habitat loss or fragmentation to cause extirpation of local populations. See Threats section for further discussion.

Search Effort

Dun Skipper records in B.C. date from 1902 to 2011 (Table 1), with 209 records (observations or museum specimens) of the species. The first Canadian record is from Goldstream (1902) and the most recent are from the Fraser Canyon near Boston Bar (2010) (Knopp et al. 2010) and the Nanaimo River area (2011) (J. Heron pers. data 2011) (see Table 1). In the past ten years (2001 to 2011) there have only been 67 observations.

From 2001 to 2011 there has been substantial search effort for the Dun Skipper within the species’ range in B.C. (Table 2; Figure 7). Along the coast, search effort has focused on southeastern Vancouver Island, Salt Spring Island, Galiano Island, Mayne Island and Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. On the southwestern mainland of B.C., search effort has specifically focused on the edges of the species’ known range (e.g. Pemberton, Lillooet and Boston Bar) with the intent to confirm the edges of the species’ range on the mainland. These areas also have active conservancies and a community of naturalists that are acutely aware of the species and its threatened status, and actively look for species at risk.

Figure 7. Search effort for the Dun Skipper, 2002-2012.

Map illustrating search effort for the Dun Skipper, vestris subspecies, in Canada from 2001 to 2011.

Long Description for Figure 7

Figure 8. Gypsy Moth treatment areas 1979-2010. Note: data points are not exact and do not show the entire treatment area. See Table 7.

Map showing areas treated for Gypsy Moth between 1979 and 2010.
Table 7. Gypsy Moth Treatment History in B.C. ( B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations 2012).
General geographic area of Gypsy Moth treatment Year of detection Year of treatment Aerial spray Ground spray Mass trapping Unknown Host removal
Kitsilano*, Vancouver (Mainland) 1978 1979   x   x  
Ft. Langley (Mainland) 1982 1984       x  
Courtenay (Vancouver Island) 1983 1984       x  
Courtenay (Vancouver Island) 1983 1985       x  
Canadian Forces Base Chilliwack (Mainland) 1983 1985   x      
Canadian Forces Base Chilliwack (Mainland) 1983 1986   x      
Canadian Forces Base Chilliwack (Mainland) 1983 1987 x        
Kelowna (Mainland) 1986 1988 x x      
Canadian Forces Base Colwood, Vancouver Island 1986 1988 x        
North Parksville (Vancouver Island) 1987 1988   x      
Parksville (Vancouver Island) 1987 1990 x x      
North Saanich (Vancouver Island) 1990 1991 x x      
Belmont Park (Vancouver Island) 1990 1992 x        
South Parksville (Vancouver Island) 1991 1992   x      
Richmond (Mainland) 1991 1993 x        
Burnaby (Mainland) 1992 1993 x        
Salt Spring Island (Gulf Island) 1991 1993   x      
Victoria (Vancouver Island) 1992 1993 x        
Hope (Mainland) 1992 1993 x        
South Vancouver (Mainland) 1991 1994   x      
Victoria (Vancouver Island) 1992 1994 x        
Beban Park, Nanaimo (Vancouver Island) 1992 1994 x        
Whiskey Creek (Vancouver Island) 1992 1994 x        
Hope (Mainland) 1992 1994 x        
Chilliwack (Mainland) 1992 1995 x x      
Hope (Mainland) 1992 1996 x        
New Westminster (Mainland) 1995 1997         x
Victoria (Vancouver Island) 1996 1998   x      
Colwood (Vancouver Island) 1996 1998   x      
Esquimalt (Vancouver Island) 1996 1998   x      
Victoria (Vancouver Island) 1996 1999 x        
Colwood, (Vancouver Island) 1996 1999 x        
Esquimalt (Vancouver Island) 1996 1999 x        
Duncan, Vancouver Island 1998 1999 x        
Nanaimo (Vancouver Island) 1998 1999 x        
Brentwood Bay (Vancouver Island) 1998 1999 x        
Tsawwassen (Mainland) 1998 1999 x        
Metchosin (Vancouver Island) 1998 1999 x        
Burnaby (Mainland) 1999 2000 x        
Sechelt (Mainland) 1999 2000     x    
Sechelt (Mainland) 2000 2001     x    
Sechelt (Mainland) 2001 2001     x    
Delta (Mainland) 1998 2001   x      
Delta (Mainland) 1999 2001   x      
Delta (Mainland) 2000 2001   x      
North Delta (Mainland) 2001 2002     x    
Saanich (Vancouver Island) 2001 2002     x    
North Delta (Mainland) 2002 2003     x    
Saanich (Vancouver Island) 2002 2003     x    
North Delta (Mainland) 2003 2004 x   x    
Saanich (Vancouver Island) 2003 2004 x   x    
Abbotsford (Mainland) 2003 2004     x    
Duncan (Vancouver Island) 2003 2004     x    
Gabriola Island (Gulf Island) 2003 2004     class="fontSize80"x    
Duncan (Vancouver Island) 2003 2005     x    
Duncan (Vancouver Island) 2004 2005     x    
Gabriola Island (Mainland) 2003 2005     x    
Gabriola Island (Mainland) 2004 2005     x    
Saanich (Vancouver Island) 2003 2005     x    
Saanich (Vancouver Island) 2004 2005     x    
Langley (Mainland) 2003 2005     x    
Langley (Mainland) 2004 2005     x    
Nanaimo (Vancouver Island) 2003 2006          
Nanaimo (Vancouver Island) 2004 2006          
Nanaimo (Vancouver Island) 2005 2006   x x    
Salt Spring Island (Gulf Island) 2003 2006          
Salt Spring Island (Gulf Island) 2004 2006          
Salt Spring Island (Gulf Island) 2005 2006   x x    
Saanich (Vancouver Island) 2003 2006          
Saanich (Vancouver Island) 2004 2006          
Saanich (Vancouver Island) 2005 2006   x      
Courtenay (Vancouver Island) 2006 2007 x        
Salt Spring Island (Gulf Island) 2006 2007 x x x    
Cedar Hill Golf Course (Vancouver Island) 2006 2007   x x    
Belmont Park, Colwood (Vancouver Island) 2006 2007   x x    
Salt Spring Island (Southern Gulf Island) 2004 2008   x      
Saltair, near Ladysmith (Vancouver Island) 2007 2008   x      
Lake Cowichan (Vancouver Island) 2007 2008     x    
Harrison (Mainland) 2009 2009 x        
Harrison (Mainland) 2010 2010   x      
Richmond (Mainland) 2010 2010 x        

* 1979 treatments did not use Btk. All remaining aerial and ground spray treatments used Btk.
Aerial spray treatments involve aerial applications using aircraft over a pre-determined spray zone. Treatments are typically applied three times on three separate dates within the larval activity period for Gypsy Moth, April and May. Ground spray treatments involve hand held hydraulic sprayers that directly spray foliage within treatment zone. Mass trapping involves a grid of pheromone baited traps within a treatment zone. Host tree removal involves removal of vegetation thought to be the prime source of the initial introduction.

Quantified, targeted search effort took place in 2007, and 2009 – 2011 (Table 2). This amounted to at least 1129 hours, at least 1660.7 km of walking transects; and 4847 km of driving (assessing habitat by slowly travelling logging roads, stopping when good habitat is observed, and completing surveys within such habitat). Additional boat surveys around Harrison and Pitt Lakes were also completed (62 km by slowly travelling along shorelines, stopping when good habitat is observed, and completing surveys in such habitat). These revealed a few new sites for the Dun Skipper (Knopp et al. 2010), yet there are still isolated and small bogs throughout the region (e.g. University of British Columbia Malcolm Knapp Research Forest bog habitat) that remain to be thoroughly searched (D. Knopp pers. comm. 2010). Search effort for the Dun Skipper throughout Metro Vancouver parks in the lower Fraser Valley has not yielded any records other than at Metro Vancouver Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area. These areas are within the current range extent and would not impact EO but would alter IAO.

Researchers, conservancies, naturalists and biologists have conducted non-quantified surveys for Dun Skippers in the past ten years, concurrent with their own areas of focus. It is not possible to accurately quantify all search effort by these individuals, but it has clearly been considerable. A summary of recent butterfly surveys within the range and potential habitat for the Dun Skipper (Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands only) is summarized in Table 3. There has been less effort on the mainland, although some occurrences of the Dun Skipper are reported (B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012).

Surveys by local conservancy groups have recorded Dun Skipper in the past decade on the Gulf Islands, including Salt Spring Island (R. Annschild pers. comm. 2010), Denman Island (A. Fyson pers. comm. 2010), and Hornby Island (J. Miskelly 2004; J. Heron and S. Lavallee 2006) (B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2010). Conservancies such as Mayne Island (M. Dunn pers. comm. 2010) and Galiano Island (T. Crowe pers. comm. 2010) have searched unsuccessfully for the species. Further surveys coordinated by the Victoria Natural History Society in the greater Victoria area have also recorded the skipper in various areas throughout the region (J. Tatum pers. comm. 2010; J. Miskelly pers. comm. 2010; D. Copley pers. comm. 2010).

Habitat

Habitat Requirements

The historical habitat of Dun Skippers is difficult to characterize, given the lack of information that accompanies historical museum collections (Royal B.C. Museum 2009; University of British Columbia Beaty Biodiversity Museum, Spencer Entomological Collection 2009; Canadian National Collection 2008; Shepard 2000ab). Recent surveys (Table 2) have focused on collecting habitat and biological information, yet habitat requirements are still difficult to characterize, primarily because the species’ larval food in B.C. has not been confirmed.

Dun Skippers have been observed in a variety of habitat types, most of which are difficult to assign a specific ecosystem description. General habitat characteristics for the Dun Skipper include open south to southwest slope exposures (< 15% slope), adjacent to or within open forest comprised of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco). These areas often have lowland forest components below cliffs and hillsides comprised of Douglas-fir and open deciduous woods that include Big leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum Pursh), close proximity to open, sparsely vegetated cliffs (Knopp et al. 2007; 2009; 2010), and edges of sedge-dominated wetlands and wet grasslands (Pyle 2002). As one traverses east through the Coast Mountains (e.g. to Boston Bar, Lillooet, and Pemberton), habitats become drier, and there Dun Skippers have been observed on gently sloping hillsides, generally within 1 km of cliff habitat. In the most xeric sites (e.g. Lillooet), the sites were sheltered from wind and associated with moister Douglas-fir habitat (Knopp et al. 2007; 2009; 2010). (See Appendix 1 for images of Dun Skipper habitat).

Dun Skippers have also been observed within Garry Oak and associated habitats (e.g. at Somenos near Duncan, Francis King and Thetis Lake Regional Parks in Greater Victoria, and Helliwell Provincial Park on Hornby Island (Table 1) (B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012)), although the species is not considered a specialist of these habitats.

The Dun Skipper has been recorded in disturbed sites including roadsides, railway right-of-ways, ditches, and power line right-of-ways; areas with spring floods, natural hot springs or seeps (Guppy and Shepard 2001), and stream banks; and habitats that appear dry but where spring floods likely occur and moist conditions sustain populations of potential host plants (B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012). The Dun Skipper has also been recorded from bog habitats (e.g., Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area). The primary similarity among all sites where the species has been recorded is high moisture during spring and summer, which may prevent premature host plant senescence.

Larval host plants

Larval host plants, in general, are known to be sedges (Carex spp.) including Sun Sedge (Carex inops ssp.heliophila (Mackenzie) Crins) (Layberry et al. 1998; Pyle 2002), and grasses (Poa spp.) (Brown and McGuire 1983). Dun Skipper (eastern population) larvae are known to feed upon Yellow Nut-grass (Cyperus esculentus L.) (Heitzman 1965; Guppy and Shepard 2001), San Diego Sedge (Carex spissa Bailey) (Brown 1982; Layberry et al. 1998), Hairy Sedge (Carex lacustris (Willd.)) and Graceful Sedge (Carex gracillima Schwein.) (Layberry et al. 1998). These plants do not occur or are rare (though not introduced) in B.C. (B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012). Various species of grasses and sedges occur throughout the province within the known range of the Dun Skipper (B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012).

The matrix and dimensions of larval and nectar food plant habitat patch sizes, spatial boundaries, specific habitat characteristics and features necessary to sustain populations are poorly understood. Thus it may be the presence of the species’ host plant(s) that determines its apparent random occupancy of a given habitat. Based on the distribution of the Dun Skipper in B.C. (Figure 3), it is unlikely a single host-plant species is used. Based on the observations of larval silk shelters (see Life History and Reproduction), it would appear that as long as the leaf type is suitable, any species of Cyperaceae or Poaceae may be adequate for larval development (Shepard 2000b).

Nectar plants

Along the Fraser River, Dun Skippers appear to favour nectar sources such as Spreading Dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium L.) (native plant) (Knopp et al. 2009; Knopp et al., 2010) and Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) (non-native) (Knopp et al. 2009). They are also known to use Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium L.) (native), Lotus Milkvetch (Astragalus lotiflorus Hook.) (native), Goldenrod (Euthamia spp. and Solidago spp.) (native), Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus L.) (non-native), and various species of thistles (Family Asteraceae) (both native and non-native species) (Pyle 2002). On Denman Island, a Dun Skipper was observed nectaring on an Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare Lam.) (non-native) (Guppy et al. 2007). Moisture regime and successional stage

Dun Skipper habitat includes disturbed sites (e.g. roadside ditches, clear-cuts) with seasonally wet areas, partially due to the early successional stage required by the likely grass and sedge family host plants. Undisturbed habitats with more apparent natural features include wet marshy habitats with Common Rush (Juncus effusus L.) plants.

Habitat Trends

The Dun Skipper does not appear to have a specific obligate habitat type (see Habitat Requirements). Although habitat trend information is available for specific habitat types, it would only reflect a portion of potential Dun Skipper habitat. Habitat trends in the Fraser Canyon and Pemberton areas are not well documented. Vegetation succession and forest fire suppression are reducing habitat in those regions, but forest clearing and forest fires may be somewhat offsetting those losses. Following is an account of trends in specific habitat types within the Fraser Valley and the Vancouver Island-Gulf Islands region.

Habitat trends within the Fraser Valley

Seasonal wetland and streamside declines

Development throughout the Fraser Valley from the 1860s to present has resulted in a reduction of wetland habitat cover from approximately 10% to less than 1.5% (as of 1996) (Boyle et al. 1997, as cited in B.C. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection 2002). These wetland areas include lowland swampy and marshy land that would have been seasonally flooded (Boyle et al. 1997 as cited in B.C. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection 2002). If the loss of wetlands is used as a surrogate for natural Dun Skipper habitat, there has been an 85% decline of suitable habitat since European settlement began. Sensitive ecosystem inventory mapping of the Metro Vancouver regional area is underway but not yet available (C. Cadrin pers. comm. 2011).

Dun Skipper habitat also includes open riparian areas adjacent to streams and more permanent wetlands (see Habitat). Since European settlement, there has been extensive alteration to stream flow in the Fraser Valley. As a result, approximately 15% of streams that once existed in the Fraser Valley no longer exist and 71% are considered at risk (defined in the Fraser River Action Plan, 1998 as cited in B.C. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection 2002). If the loss of streams is used as a surrogate for potential natural Dun Skipper habitat, it is assumed there has been a 15% decline in streamside potential habitat since European settlement.

When comparing search effort with known Dun Skipper records, the species appears to have disappeared from the core areas of its range within the Lower Mainland (from the coast east to Chilliwack area) and only remains at the periphery of its range in the Hope area and the Fraser Canyon. The only record of the species within high quality and protected habitat is at Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area (Figure 4; number 20).

Habitat trends within southeastern Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands

Habitat trends within southeastern Vancouver Island follow a similar decline to those in the Fraser Valley. Agricultural and urban development, logging and infilling have impacted wetland habitats and seasonal flooding regimes and thus have likely led to an overall decline in the natural habitat available for the Dun Skipper. But there is minimal quantitative information on overall wetland habitat loss.

Potential Dun Skipper habitat in this area has been assessed by comparing aerial photographs taken from 1993-1997 with those from 2002. Habitat that has been lost or disturbed includes riparian (4.6% loss), open woodland (2.6% loss) and wetland ecosystems (2.0% loss) (Canadian Wildlife Service and B.C. Ministry of Environment 2004; Kirkby and Cake 2004).

The Dun Skipper has been recorded within Garry Oak and associated ecosystem habitat at Somenos, Hornby Island and in some dry habitats in the Victoria area and on Denman Island. Much historic Garry Oak ecosystem habitat has been destroyed or is degraded due to invasive species and other human activities. Lea (2006) mapped historic Garry Oak ecosystems, focusing on the five major geographic areas known to contain it (greater Victoria, Cowichan Valley, Comox Valley and surrounding areas, Nanaimo, Nanoose area as well as Salt Spring Island and Hornby Island). Less than ten percent of the original Garry Oak ecosystem remains on southeastern Vancouver Island (Lea 2006).

Biology

Life Cycle and Reproduction

The flight period in B.C. ranges from late May to mid-August, slightly earlier in the south, and there is one generation a year (Table 4) (B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012; Opler and Krizek 1984; Shepard 2000ab).

Males perch approximately one metre from the ground and wait for receptive females (D. Knopp pers. comm. 2010; Guppy and Shepard 2001). Females lay eggs singly, on the underside and at the base or midway along the leaf of the host plant (Guppy and Shepard 2001; Brown and McGuire 1983; Heitzman 1965). Eggs hatch after approximately a week (Heitzman 1965), larvae begin feeding and eventually form tubular silk shelters (one larva per shelter) (Opler et al. 1995). Silk shelters are formed from two to four tied and rolled host plant leaves near the base of the host plant (Brown 1982; Brown and McGuire 1983; Heitzman 1965). Based on the observations of silk shelters, it would appear that as long as the leaf type is suitable, any species of Cyperaceae or Poaceae is adequate for larval development. Larvae hibernate throughout the winter months within these tubular silken shelters and emerge the following spring. Pupation occurs within the silken tubes at the base of the host plants in spring.

Based on information from other populations in North America (including Washington State), older larvae use one or more shelter sites for a total period of 24 to 36 days between late May and late August (Brown 1982; Shepard 2000ab). Larval hibernation likely occurs from September to May (Pyle 2002). The pupal stage lasts for 18 to 21 days (Pyle 2002) between April and June (Brown 1982; Shepard 2000ab; Pyle 2002).

Physiology and Adaptability

There is no information on the physiology or adaptability of the Dun Skipper in B.C. The Dun Skipper is known to exhibit host plant specificity at any one site but host plant polyphagy over the entire range (Shepard 2000ab). This suggests the adults or larvae may ‘imprint’ on a certain host plant (Shepard 2000ab), although further research is needed.

Dispersal and Migration

The Dun Skipper is not migratory. It is an agile flier, however; if adults are not caught on the first attempt, they immediately flee and are difficult to locate (D. Knopp pers. comm. 2010). Dispersal distances are unknown, but research on other skippers offers some clues. The Mardon Skipper, Polites mardon (W.H. Edwards), has an apparent maximum dispersal distance of about 1.6 km (Runquist 2004), but generally moves less than 0.8 km annually (Potter and Fleckenstein 2001). On average, Dakota Skippers, Hesperia dacotae (L.) moved less than 300 m over 3-7 days, and less than 200 m through unsuitable habitat (Dana 1991). Ottoe Skippers, Hesperia ottoe W.H. Edwards, are known to disperse a maximum of 1.78 km through unsuitable habitat, but generally moved less than 200 m (Selby 2005).

Interspecific Interactions

The Dun Skipper is not considered an essential pollinator of any one host plant or to have other crucial ecological roles such as food-web dynamics. Larval feeding likely damages food plants but does not cause plant mortality. Further field inventory and research is needed to clarify any specific mutualism, parasitism or symbiotic relationships the Dun Skipper may have with other species.

Population Sizes and Trends

Sampling Methods

Surveys have been carried out primarily by wandering transects through suitable habitat with the main objective to record new sightings, habitat information and sites for the species (Table 2).

Abundance

There is insufficient information to provide precise estimates of abundance in Canada and within individual populations. However, by looking at encounter rates, habitat patch size, and the size of other skipper populations, we can put some defensible upper and lower limits on overall population size.

Some (and perhaps most) populations are undoubtedly quite small, likely numbering fewer than 100 mature individuals (C. Guppy pers. comm. 2013). One could estimate that each location contains at least 50 mature individuals, giving a minimum population for Canada of approximately 1500 (50 x 30 locations). If one assumes that some populations are larger, and that there are a few more undiscovered populations, one could estimate an upper limit of 5000 (100 x 50 locations; C. Guppy pers. comm. 2013). These estimates are consistent with those for individual Dakota Skipper populations of ‘tens or hundreds’ (Britten and Glasford 2002). Looking at the key population break points in the COSEWIC assessment methodology, it is likely that the population exceeds 2500, but it is unlikely that it exceeds 10,000 (C. Guppy pers. comm. 2013).

There are 207 Dun Skipper observations or specimens from 1902 to 2011 (Table 1, B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012). Most sightings are of one or two individuals (Table 1, B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012). The four records with the largest number of individuals observed at one time are: 13 at a site near Hope (gas pipeline crossing) in 2007 (Knopp et al. 2007); 12 at a site near Boston Bar (Green Canyon) in 2002 (D. Knopp, personal data submitted to the B.C. Conservation Data Centre); 10 at a site near Port Alberni in 2003; and 10 at the Nanaimo River (water main right-of-way, Vancouver Island) in 2010 (Page et al. 2010). It appears the best area of interconnected population occurs in a 25 km stretch of habitat in the Boston Bar area (Figure 6, number 16).

Fluctuations and Trends

Natural population fluctuations for skippers are a result of numerous factors such as parasites, predators, and the previous year’s weather. The species is expected to exhibit a metapopulation structure with movement among patches of habitat.

There is minimal information on fluctuations for the Dun Skipper. Dun Skippers have been observed multiple years at some sites (see Table 1, Figure 4): Morris Valley Hemlock Ski Hill Road in 2007 and confirmed in 2010 (number 22); Hope Gas Pipeline in 2002, 2007 and 2010 (number 17); Helliwell Provincial Park in 2003 and 2004 (number 21); and Nanaimo Lakes in 1988 and again in 2010 and 2011 (number 6). At Nanaimo Lakes, the site was cleared sometime between 1988 and 1995 and no Dun Skipper observations were made when the site was revisited in 1995 (C. Guppy pers. comm. 2010) yet the species was confirmed in 2010 (Page et al. 2010) and 2011 (J. Heron pers. data 2011).

Historically, the Dun Skipper was likely more frequent in suitable wetland and seasonally flooded habitat. Urban and agricultural development, combined with natural succession, fire suppression and infilling/draining of wetland marshy habitats (see Threats and Limiting Factors), has likely led to the isolation of populations and subsequent inability of butterflies to disperse and recolonize habitat patches leading to its extirpation in some suitable areas in B.C.

Of the 28 locations considered to be extant, at least three are threatened by land development within the next three years, and at least 14 are within artificially created habitats (e.g., roadside pull-outs, pipeline crossings, and recent clear-cuts) that are rapidly changing as a result of natural vegetative succession and are not expected to be present in 10 years. This reduces the number of locations likely to remain in ten years time to 11 locations or a reduction of 60%. Offsetting this trend, there is a possibility some sites may be created through logging or other anthropogenic activities.

Severe Fragmentation

Severe fragmentation is considered to exist when most individuals of a species occur in small, isolated populations that are not considered viable. In the case of the Dun Skipper, the populations on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands and in the lower Fraser Valley can be considered severely fragmented: they are all small (probably on the order of 50 to 100 individuals each; C. Guppy pers. comm. 2013) and isolated, and several have become extirpated in recent years. With the exception of populations around Boston Bar, the Fraser Canyon and Pemberton populations are also isolated, but some may not be as small as those along the coast. One population (number 16 in Figure 6) is perhaps large and connected enough to be considered a viable metapopulation.

In summary, not enough information is available to state definitively that the Dun Skipper is severely fragmented in British Columbia. More than half of the known populations are small, isolated and probably not viable, but not enough is known about the size and viability of the populations in the Fraser Canyon to make the assertion that “most” individuals occur in isolated small, non-viable populations.

Rescue Effect

It is difficult to assess the rescue effect for the Dun Skipper from one site to the next. Distances between known sites can be large (> 10 km), although if there are sufficient host plants and habitat it is likely the skipper disperses through these areas (e.g., Boston Bar corridor, number 16, Figure 6). The Dun Skipper may colonize new habitats including artificially created ones (e.g. ditches, fallow flooded areas) over time if the habitat is not continually disturbed or outside the species dispersal range from occupied habitat.

Washington State has not been tracking individual sites of the Dun Skipper, nor is there survey information on the species (A. Potter pers. comm. 2010). Although there is a gap in records between British Columbia and Washington State, there is similar habitat south of the international border and Dun Skipper populations may occur within these areas. Because the separation distances and habitat connectivity between US and Canadian sites are unknown, the possibility of rescue, although unlikely, is difficult to assess.

Threats and Limiting Factors

Limiting Factors

The main limiting factors for the Dun Skipper are likely larval host plant availability and the timing of host plant senescence (Shepard 2000ab). In early spring, host plants are just beginning to grow and thus host plant phenology likely influences larval growth and survival. As natural forest succession occurs these resources diminish (see Habitat Trends and Threats).

Historic Threats

Reasons for the extirpation of the Dun Skipper from most historic locations are speculative (see Habitat Trends), but are probably related to wetland habitat loss and development.

Not all historic sites have been resurveyed due to the lack of precision of collection data (e.g. museum specimens labelled ‘Victoria’). Extensive land development and habitat conversion, leading to population isolation and demographic collapse were likely the main threats to historic populations. Fire suppression leading to increased natural forest succession within open Garry oak habitats, combined with premature host plant senescence, also likely played a role in the extirpation of populations.

Current Threats

The International Union of Conservation-Conservation Measures Partnership (2006) (IUCN-CMP) threats calculator was used to classify and list threats to the Dun Skipper (Salafsky et al. 2008; Master et al. 2009). The overall Threat Impact for the Dun Skipper is High (Table 4). Major threats (highest to lowest impact) across all sites include a combination of succession (both natural forest succession and exotic species invasion), and impacts of fire and fire suppression. Threats to rural sites include agricultural land clearing. However, anthropogenic disturbance of habitat currently unsuitable for the species, such as clearing of densely vegetated ditches and roadsides, is expected to result in additional areas becoming occupied, reducing the impact of predicted threats. The use of the insecticide Btk for European Gypsy Moth control is also a current and historic threat (Figure 8 and Table 7). It would impact multiple sites making the number of locations fewer, although not all locations would be affected simultaneously. Threats that are applicable to the Dun Skipper are further discussed below under the IUCN-CMP level 1 headings and summarized in Table 5.

Residential & commercial development (IUCNCMP Threat 1.)

The Dun Skipper is threatened by cumulative habitat loss from urban and rural land conversion, and subsequent habitat fragmentation. Core habitats affected by development in the Lower Mainland are within the jurisdictions of Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Langley, Fort Langley, and Hope. On Vancouver Island, core areas include the 13 municipalities of greater Victoria and extend up southeastern side of Vancouver Island to the Courtenay area. Most of the large habitat patches within these areas are in private ownership (either owned by the local government, or timber or development companies) and urban planning projections designate many for housing or commercial development.

Human activities associated with urban development, specifically those that alter natural hydrological patterns so that habitats become too dry or are flooded for prolonged periods, can be detrimental.  Proposed urban development requires various types of permitting under local, provincial and federal government policy and legislation.  The scale, scope and impact of the development determine the type of permitting. As part of the environmental planning process, a proponent is required to apply for a development permit to local government. 

At present, residential and commercial development primarily threaten potential Dun Skipper habitat in Bevan, Mission, Sahtlam District, Salt Spring Island, Somenos, Wellington, Denman Island, Maple Bay, Spectacle Lake and Burns Bog.

Housing and urban areas (Threat 1.1)

Within the mainland range of the Dun Skipper, there has been a minimum of 73 separate housing developments in urban areas with Dun Skipper habitat (Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Agassiz, Maple Ridge, Mission and Langley). These urban developments include large-scale, new communities with new infrastructure, such as schools, roads, and central shopping amenities and, in some cases, golf courses and other recreational infrastructure. Most of this development has been within privately owned natural land within the Sumas Mountain and other areas of rural Abbotsford (see City of Abbotsford 2003), Vedder Mountain and other natural areas of Chilliwack, within the lower Fraser Valley (Greater Vancouver Real Estate 2011).

Dun Skipper habitat on southeastern Vancouver Island is also threatened by urban and rural land conversion, and subsequent fragmentation of the open, sparsely vegetated wetland and Garry Oak ecosystem habitat. The uncertainty surrounding land use and the frequently changing land ownership increases the potential threat of habitat conversion. Within the greater Victoria area there is a minimum of 12 large-scale, urban housing, commercial or recreational facility (e.g., golf courses) developments on natural habitat totalling greater than 1550 ha that are ongoing or planned for immediate commencement, the majority within Colwood, Langford and Central Saanich (Victoria Real Estate Team 2011). These natural areas all have potential Dun Skipper habitat (as assessed through satellite imagery). These developments include large-scale, new communities that include infrastructure such as schools and roads.

This threat applies directly to at least four biological populations, including potential habitat on Denman Island, where land is being subdivided and sold to individual landowners (i.e., the skipper has been recorded from adjacent properties other than the one being developed, but the habitat types are similar).

Commercial and industrial areas (Threat 1.2)

Industrial and business park expansion plans are published for some municipalities within the lower Fraser Valley (mainland), such as the City in the Country Plan specific to the City of Abbotsford. This plan projects the need for “1,300 acres of employment-generating industrial and business park lands over the next 20 years” with “future residential development accommodated through hillside development…not accommodated by expansion into the Agricultural Land Reserve” (City of Abbotsford 2003).

This threat also applies directly to a known Dun Skipper site and habitat on private land adjacent to the Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area. Burns Bog, as a habitat unit is not entirely within conservation land, and a parcel of private land has potential for commercial real estate (industrial park) development, and an ongoing highway expansion project (South Perimeter Road) is occurring at the margins of the bog.

Tourism and recreational areas (Threat 1.3)

The demand for tourism and recreational areas within southeastern Vancouver Island has increased substantially within the past decade. Natural areas continue to be developed into golf courses (e.g., Bear Mountain development [Victoria Real Estate Team 2011]), parks and recreation facilities (e.g., outside the boundaries of Goldstream Provincial Park). Within existing parks, as well as on regional and municipal properties, habitat conservation and recreational development potentially conflict with Dun Skipper conservation. On the northern edge of the Fraser Valley, this threat applies directly to the known Dun Skipper site at the Morris Valley Hemlock Ski Hill (number 22, Figure 4, Table 1, 2), where a major ski hill expansion has been proposed.

Expansion of recreational areas increases the number of roads and trails,  which can act as corridors that facilitate the rapid spread of introduced species into natural habitats  (e.g. plant seeds attach to car tires and become dislodged at new sites) (Trombulak and Frissell 2000).

Annual and perennial non-timber crops and livestock farming and ranching (Threat 2.1 and 2.2).

Clearing of land for agricultural is ongoing, in small amounts, on private lands throughout the range of the Dun Skipper. Land clearing on agricultural land reserves is also ongoing. Detrimental impacts to Dun Skipper habitat from livestock grazing have been recorded from habitats on Denman Island, although moderate livestock grazing may be partially beneficial. The impacts of grazing itself are unknown, but trampling of sensitive wetland areas often results when livestock congregate adjacent to watercourses.

Transportation and service corridors (Threat 4.)

Roads, railroads, utility and service lines (Threat 4.1 and 4.2).

With increasing human population comes the need for associated transportation infrastructure and access to both new and existing urban areas. Proposed transportation routes are often planned through areas that have the least impact to existing private landowners; e.g., land (frequently also natural areas) owned by the local or provincial government, land currently within the provincial Agricultural Land Reserve (although the land may be privately owned); or land through natural areas owned by one private landowner or company.

Within the geographic range of the Dun Skipper, extensive roads and other similar transportation corridors already fragment much of the remaining natural habitat. Increased roads, trails and corridors lead to further habitat modifications through the spread of introduced species (IUCN-CMP Threat 8.1) and increased frequency of use by humans (IUCN-CMP Threat 6.1). Roadsides act as corridors into natural habitats and are known to facilitate the rapid spread of introduced species (e.g., plant seeds attach to car tires, and become dislodged at new locations) (Trombulak and Frissell 2000). The potential spread of introduced species along roadsides may impact local populations through competition and predation, as well as changes to native vegetation (see IUCN-CMP Threat 8.1).

Human activity, such as ditch creation, clearing the ditch of in-water and streambank vegetation, or flushing the ditch and flooding streambank vegetation throughout the species’ historic range would appear to create habitat suitable for growth of Dun Skipper’s larval and nectar host plants, while concurrently destroying other habitats.

Road and utility/service line maintenance activities are applicable to many of the sites where the Dun Skipper occurs along forest service roads, such as those sites within the Chilliwack, Boston Bar, Lillooet, Lytton, Hope, Pemberton and Nanaimo areas. This threat applies to at least eight Dun Skipper biological populations (Figure 6, numbers 3, 4, 6, 16, 17, 20, 22 and 25), including a site at Burns Bog (Figure 6, Number 20), where a development and an ongoing highway expansion project (South Perimeter Road) is occurring at margins of the bog.

Biological Resource Use (Threat 5.)

Logging and wood harvesting (Threat 5.3)

In some areas, natural succession may be delayed and/or forest harvesting may create open habitat for the expansion of Dun Skipper populations. For example, the open, wet, marshy clearings and logged areas of central Denman Island have provided ideal habitat for population expansion to other areas throughout the Island. A recent provincial park has been established on Denman Island, covering approximately 75 hectares of regenerating (e.g., previously clear-cut) forest. There is a carbon covenant on this property that stipulates the property must allow the forest to grow for the use of carbon sequestration. Eventually, these large open clear-cuts will grow and habitat will once again become limited on Denman Island.

Natural forest succession has also led to an increase and then decline of Dun Skipper habitat at the Dog Mountain site. When the site was initially found in 2007, the habitat was in early successional stages dominated by Spreading Dogbane and other herbaceous vegetation.  Since 2007, the roadside successional vegetation has outgrown the Spreading Dogbane and is now dominated by invading shrubby vegetation, including Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus Focke) and introduced White Virgin’s Bower (Clematis virginiana L.) (Knopp et al. 2010).

Natural forest succession threatens other sites, such as those within the areas of Chilliwack, Boston Bar, the Gulf Islands, Lillooet, Lytton, Hope, Pemberton and Nanaimo areas. Sites on Hornby Island and Denman Island are also threatened by natural forest succession. Logging and forestry activities may also create habitat for Dun Skipper.

Human intrusions and disturbance (Threat 6.)

Recreational activities (Threat 6.1)

Recreational activities within Dun Skipper habitat include hiking (e.g., Helliwell Provincial Park on Hornby Island) and horseback riding (e.g., on Denman Island). Such activities can result in degradation of habitat quality through soil compaction and can also cause accidental mortality of larvae.

Areas with particularly high recreational use include those habitats within Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley Regional District parks; and within the Capital Regional District. Hiking and related activities may also increase the spread of introduced species (see IUCN-CMP Threat 8). Recreational use of trails for horseback riding is also prominent and likely impacts habitat (e.g., trampling of trails/edges and defecation which increases the spread of fungus, seeds, etc.).

Natural system modifications (Threat 7.)

Fire and fire suppression (Threat 7.1)

Fire suppression is ongoing throughout the entire range of the Dun Skipper. Within Garry oak and associated habitats, fire suppression has led to further natural forest succession within these open habitats (GOERT 2010), and thus a decline in potential Dun Skipper habitats. Burns Bog periodically experiences ground fires, and although efforts are made to control blazes, fire does impact habitat. The threat of both fire and fire suppression activities is present throughout the range of the Dun Skipper, particularly within large natural tracts of land, areas adjacent to roadways and right-of-ways and in recreational areas. Human activities such as brush burning and mowing as a form of fire suppression may adversely affect Dun Skippers. Brush clearing, piling and periodic burning of vegetation and woody debris occur on private and public lands throughout its range. Mowing and cutting of vegetation within sites may impact the Dun Skipper through decreasing available moisture retention within habitats, increasing dehydration stress to individuals and direct mortality.

Invasive and other problematic species and genes (Threat 8.)

Invasive non-native/alien species (Threat 8.1)

Many of the sites where the Dun Skipper has been recorded have become degraded and/or dominated by introduced species such as agronomic grasses and weedy forbs.

Invasive plant species such as Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius L.) have the ability to fix nitrogen and are known change vegetation and soil structure (Haubensak and Parker 2004). Invasive species legacy (resulting in long-term ecosystem impacts from prolonged invasive species growth) and increasing the nitrogen availability in the soil may encourage exotic species growth in native grasslands (Huenneke et al. 1990; Maron and Conners 1996, as read in Rook et al. 2011). Scotch Broom is also associated with suppressed native species richness (Rook et al. 2011) and more specifically is a high threat at Vancouver Island sites, especially to the roadside right-of-ways at Nanaimo Lakes Road (P. Lilley pers. comm. 2010; J. Heron pers. comm. 2011), and portions of habitat on Denman Island that have abundant Scotch Broom (J. Heron pers. comm. 2010). Dun Skipper habitat at the Hope Gas Pipeline site is now covered by invading shrubby vegetation including Himalayan blackberry and introduced White Virgin’s Bower (Knopp et al. 2010). Other sites with high invasive species presence include Hornby Island (Helliwell Provincial Park) with invasive Scotch Broom, and the Spectacle Lake and Goldstream areas. Overall, most sites are likely impacted by invasive species.

Introduced rabbits (Eastern Cottontail [Sylvilagus floridanus] and European Rabbit [Oryctolagus cuniculus]) may browse host plants, but herbivory is considered a minor threat.

Problematic native species (Threat 8.2)

Natural forest succession of native trees, shrubs and herbaceous vegetation will eventually decrease the size and quality of Dun Skipper habitats. Potential larval host plants and adult nectar sources require open habitat with abundant light and moisture (Pojar and McKinnon 1994) (see Habitat Requirements and Life Cycle and Reproduction). In some areas, natural succession may be delayed and/or forest harvesting may create open habitat for the expansion of Dun Skipper populations. For example, the open, wet, marshy clearings and logged areas of central Denman Island have provided ideal habitat for population expansion to other areas throughout the Island. Eventually, these large open clear-cuts will become forested and habitat will once again become limited on Denman Island. Conversely, succession has also led to an increase and then decline of Dun Skipper habitat (e.g., Figure 6, Number 16 Dog Mountain, Hope Gas Pipeline site).

Subpopulations of the Dun Skipper are likely at risk from demographic collapse, which may be exacerbated by other threats over time by natural forest succession. Within Garry Oak and associated habitats, fire suppression has led to further natural forest succession within these open habitats (GOERT 2010), and thus a decline in potential habitats. Ecological theory suggests the risk of extirpation from a single habitat patch is reduced with increasing numbers of surrounding subpopulations (Hanski 1982). Like other species confined to patchy habitats, populations of Dun Skipper are isolated and as natural forest succession continues in surrounding habitats, those populations will become more isolated and fragmented (see habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation). In some areas, natural succession may be delayed and/or forest harvesting may create open habitat for the expansion of Dun Skipper populations.

Natural vegetation and forest succession has the potential to impact all known Dun Skipper sites.

Pollution (Threat 9.)

Agricultural and forestry effluents (Threat 9.3)

The Dun Skipper is within the potential introduction range of European Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar L.), and traps to detect introductions of this moth are scattered throughout southern B.C. (B.C. Ministry of Forests, Range and Natural Resource Operations 2012). Should Gypsy Moths be found in significant numbers, ground and aerial spray of Btk (Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki) are applied to control the moth. Btk is a component of commercial pesticides that use spores of a naturally occurring pathogenic bacterium to control defoliating caterpillars, although the bacterium also affects most non-target butterfly and moth larvae.

The area of Btk application varies yearly and depends on the extent to which Gypsy Moths are trapped during previous year surveys. Gypsy Moth treatment areas since 1979 are shown in Figure 8 and Table 7, and the cumulative impacts of this spray program may have contributed to extirpation at some historic sites. Since trap results are compiled over at least two years, should Gypsy Moth be recorded there would likely be time to seek treatment options rather than simply broadcast aerial sprays. It is unlikely the entire Dun Skipper range would be treated for Gypsy Moth.

According to October 2011 trap results, no treatment is planned for 2012. (J. Burleigh pers. comm. 2012).  Areas throughout the Dun Skipper’s range do occur along prominent points of potential entry for the Gypsy Moth. Btk for Gypsy Moth is typically applied in early April to early May, which coincides with Dun Skipper larval activity. It is unlikely the entire range would be eradicated, although it could be significantly impacted.

Additional agricultural and forestry effluents most likely to cause harm to Dun Skipper habitat and individuals are herbicides used to control vegetation. The general use of herbicides to control regeneration of vegetation adjacent to roadsides and right-of-ways on commercial forestry lands may also impact skipper populations. Herbicides are used less today; however, it is unclear how extensive this practice was (or is) within the range of the Dun Skipper.

Geological events (Threat 10.)

Earthquakes/tsunamis (Threat 10.2)

Some Dun Skipper sites are within the potential flood zone should an earthquake or tsunami occur; specifically Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area (Number 20 on Figure 6), lowland areas of the Fraser Valley and parts of the greater Victoria area.

Climate change and severe weather (Threat 11.)

Habitat shifting and alteration, droughts, storms and flooding (Threat 11.1, 11.2, 11.4)

Climate change is a potential threat to the Dun Skipper; primarily due to the impacts such change brings to the wetland ecosystems and plant communities within which the species lives. Increased summer droughts may affect habitat within Dun Skipper sites by decreasing the available site moisture that allows for suitable host plant growth. By 2050, mean annual temperatures are expected to rise approximately 2 to 3°C (Hebda 1997). Within the Pacific Maritime Ecozone (where the Dun Skipper occurs in western Canada), mean temperatures increased by 1.71°C from 1960 to 2006 (Coristine and Kerr 2011). Conversely, there is an anticipated increase in winter precipitation projected for coastal areas such as east Vancouver Island.

A recent analysis of global observations from 1925 to 1999 showed that precipitation increased by 6.2 mm per decade in the latitudinal band of 50 to 70 °N, which includes almost all of British Columbia (Zhang et al. 2007). More specifically, on southeastern Vancouver Island the projected change in precipitation by the middle of the 21st century (2041 – 2071), relative to historical records (1961–1990), is a 10-25% increase in winter (December, January, February) and a 0 – 10% increase in summer (June, July, August) (British Columbia Ministry of Environment 2007).

Protection, Status, and Ranks

Legal Protection and Status

The Dun Skipper is protected under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA), which provides immediate protection for individuals and their residences and includes provisions for the protection of critical habitat once identified in a recovery strategy. The Dun Skipper was included on Schedule 1 of SARA as Threatened in 2003 when the Act was proclaimed. It was last assessed by COSEWIC as Threatened in 2000 (Shepard 2000ab). A residence description for the Dun Skipper has not been posted on the SARA Public Registry. Similarly, a finalized recovery strategy has not yet been posted on SARA, and hence critical habitat has not yet been defined.

The B.C. Park Act protects invertebrate species at risk in provincial parks and protected areas. When species at risk and the habitats they require are known to occur within a protected area, provisions for management are incorporated into the park master plan (e.g. Helliwell Provincial Park). Further, the B.C. Ecological Reserves Act provides protection for species occurring within ecological reserves in B.C. Both federal lands managers and staff (K. Fort pers. comm. 2003 – 2009) and provincial parks staff (B. Woodhouse pers. comm. 2003 – 2007; D. Chapman, pers. comm. 2008 – 2010; S. Pratt pers. comm. 2007 – 2010) within the range of the Dun Skipper are aware of this species and advise their staff to look out for possible new occurrences.

The Dun Skipper is recommended for listing as Identified Wildlife under the B.C. Forest and Range Practices Act. Once listed under this act, it will be possible to protect known sites and habitat for this species within Wildlife Habitat Areas on provincial Crown land.

Invertebrates assessed by COSEWIC as Threatened, Endangered or Extirpated will be protected through theBritish Columbia Wildlife Act and Wildlife Amendment Act once the regulations listing these species are completed.

Non-Legal Status and Ranks

The Dun Skipper has a conservation status rank of S3 (Vulnerable) in B.C. (B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012) and is nationally listed (Canada) as N2N3 (Imperiled to Vulnerable; NatureServe 2011). The global conservation status rank is G5T4 (species Secure, subspecies Apparently Secure; NatureServe 2011). In Washington State the species has a conservation status rank of S3 (NatureServe 2011). The Dun Skipper (western subspecies) has not been assigned a conservation status rank in other states where it has been recorded (NatureServe 2011).

The Dun Skipper is a priority one species (highest priority) under goal three (maintain the diversity of native species and ecosystems) of the B.C. Conservation Framework.

Non-government conservation organizations, such as Conservancy Hornby (T. Law pers. comm. 2005 - 2009), Denman Conservancy (J. Thornton pers. comm. 2009; A. Fyson, pers. comm. 2010), Salt Spring Conservancy (R. Annschild pers. comm. 2010), Mayne Island Conservancy (M. Dunn pers. comm. 2010) and Galiano Conservancy (T. Crowe pers. comm. 2010) work with private landowners toward protecting butterfly habitat on private lands within these islands.

Habitat Protection and Ownership

Habitat protection for the Dun Skipper is challenging, primarily because the species is not associated with a specific plant community. In addition, the lack of knowledge on the host plant and the cryptic nature of the skipper further add difficulty to the identification and protection of the Dun Skipper and its associated habitat. See Table 1 for land ownership.

Federal land

The Dun Skipper has been recorded from two federal Indian Reserves: Sho-ook IR 5 and Soowahlie IR 14.

Provincial Crown forest land and unprotected land

There are 14 Crown land sites where Dun Skippers occur on land managed under the provincial forestry land base (Table 1). Prior to the sale of Crown land, environmental assessments are needed to determine if species at risk are present on the property. This assessment process applies to site number 22, Morris Valley Ski Hill Road (Figure 4), which is unprotected Crown land subject to ski hill development (see Threats), but does not necessarily protect the habitat.

Provincial parks and protected areas

Dun Skipper records in provincial parks include Helliwell Provincial Park (Hornby Island, 2004), Somenos Ecological Reserve (1976) and Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park (2008 and 2009) (B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012). Because of vague site information attached to museum specimens, the species’ presence in Goldstream and Spectacle Lake Provincial Parks is unconfirmed. Park managers and staff are aware of the skipper and its habitat needs at Helliwell Provincial Park (D. Chapman pers. comm. 2010) and Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park (C. Retzer Miller pers. comm. 2010; R. Annschild pers. comm. 2010).

Regional and municipal government owned lands

Regional and municipal government land is considered private land in B.C. The Dun Skipper has been collected from Francis-King Regional Park (1962) and Thetis Lake Regional Park (both Capital Regional District parks, and collected in 1962 and 1963 respectively), and recorded from Burns Bog Ecological Conservancy Area (Metro Vancouver park, observed in 2004) (B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2012). Where Dun Skipper sites are within regional or municipally owned land, these governments are aware of the species (M. Merkens pers. comm. 2005 – 2010 [Metro Vancouver]; M. Fuchs pers. com. 2003 – 2010 [Capital Regional District]).

Private conservation land

Conservation covenants on Denman Island that contain habitat where the Dun Skipper has been observed include Central Park (59.5 ha) and property owned by the Denman Conservancy named “Settlement Lands” (160 ha) (A. Fyson pers. comm. 2010; Denman Conservancy Association 2010).

Private property and private forest land

Much potential habitat is privately owned by individual landowners (e.g. farms or rural properties), private forest companies (e.g. for timber production) or within local government ownership. Surveys on private forestland recorded a few new records on southern Vancouver Island (Page et al, 2010) and along the Fraser River (Knopp et al. 2007, 2009, 2010).

Many private properties on the Gulf Islands contain potential habitat for Dun Skippers and the Denman Conservancy, Galiano Conservancy, Conservancy Hornby, Salt Spring Conservancy and Mayne Island Conservancy are active and effective at engaging landowners to look for the skipper on their properties.

Acknowledgements and Authorities Contacted

Thank you to the British Columbia Ministry of Environment (MoE) for providing time and resources to complete this report (Alec Dale and Ted Down). Thanks to Brenda Costanzo (MoE) and Carmen Cadrin (MoE) for advice with plant and habitat information and the B.C. Conservation Data Centre (Leah Ramsay, Lea Gelling, Katrina Stipec and Andy Teucher) and Dave Fraser (MoE) for assistance with records and threats calculator. Thank you to Byron Woods (MoE) and Orville Dyer (MoE) for mapping support.

Thank you to private landowners on Denman Island, Hornby Island, Courtenay, Comox, and southeastern Vancouver Island, Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley Regional District, and other owners that also granted access to their properties for surveys.

The following people provided valuable information, advice and knowledge from their experiences in the field, records and knowledge of butterflies: Denis Knopp, Lee Larkin, Laura Parkinson, Nick Page, Suzie Lavallee, Michelle Connolly, Patrick Lilley, Crispin Guppy, Drew Chapman, Bill Woodhouse, Darren Copley, Jeremy Tatum, Claudia Copley (Royal B.C. Museum) and Karen Needham (University of British Columbia Beaty Biodiversity Museum, Spencer Entomological Collection), Markus Merkens (Metro Vancouver), Alison Evely (Metro Vancouver), Janice Jarvis (Metro Vancouver), Marilyn Fuchs (Capital Regional District). Thank you to Ann Potter (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife), Ted Thomas (United States Fish and Wildlife Service) for information about the Dun Skipper in Washington State. Thank you to Andrew Warren for his thoughtful advice on Dun Skipper subspecies and range distribution information, and Gary Anweiler for information on range extent in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Thank you to Laurence Packer for review, report advice and editorial suggestions.

Thank you to Shyanne Smith and Chris Junck (Garry Oak and Associated Ecosystems Recovery Team) for information on Garry Oak ecosystems. Rob Knight (B.C. Ministry of Environment, retired) facilitated access to the orthophotos used for habitat identification and mapping. Thank you to local conservation organizations for butterfly surveys and private landowner contact (Robin Annschild, Tyla Crowe, Michael Dunn, Tony Law, Andrew Fyson, Francis McLean, and J Thornton).

Authorities Contacted

Annschild, Robin. 2010. Salt Spring Island Conservancy, Salt Spring Island. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

Blanchette, Sophie-Anne. 2010. Galiano Island Conservancy, Galiano Island, B.C. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

Burleigh, Jennifer. 2010. B.C. Ministry of Forests Provincial Forest Entomologist. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

Crowe, Tyla. 2010. Galiano Island Conservancy, Galiano Island. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

Dunn, Michael. 2010. Mayne Island Conservancy, Mayne Island. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

Fyson, Andrew. 2010. Denman Conservancy, Denman Island. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

Guppy, Crispin. 2011-2013. Lepidopterist, Quesnel, B.C and Whitehorse, Yukon. Personal communications to Jennifer Heron and Syd Cannings.

Junck, Chris. 2010. Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team, Victoria. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

Knopp, Denis. 2010-2013. B.C.’s Wild Heritage Consulting, Sardis, B.C. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron, B.C. Conservation Data Centre, and Syd Cannings.

Law, Tony. 2009. Conservancy Hornby, Hornby Island. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

Miskelly, James. 2010. Independent Entomologist, Victoria Natural History Society, Victoria, B.C.

Page, Nick. 2010. Raincoast Applied Ecology, Vancouver, B.C. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

Potter, Ann. 2010. United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, USA. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

Retzer Miller, Connie. 2010. B.C. Ministry of Environment. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

Thornton, J. 2009. Denman Conservancy, Denman Island. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

Warren, Andrew. 2011. Lepidopterist. McGuire Centre for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville, Florida. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

Information Sources

Annschild, Robin. 2010. Salt Spring Island Conservancy, Salt Spring Island. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

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Blanchette, Sophie-Anne. 2010. Galiano Island Conservancy, Galiano Island, B.C. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

British Columbia Conservation Data Centre. 2011. BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer. B.C. Minist. of Environ. Victoria, B.C. Information on the Dun Skipper [accessed February 1, 2013].

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Britten, H.B., and J.W. Glasford. 2002. Genetic population structure of the Dakota Skipper (Lepidoptera: Hesperia dacotae): a North American native prairie obligate. Conservation Genetics 3: 363-374.

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Brown, J.W., and W.W. McGuire. 1983. A new subspecies of Euphyes vestris (Boisduval) from southern California (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae). Transactions of the San Diego Society of Natural History 20 (3): 57–68.

Burleigh, Jennifer. 2010. B.C. Ministry of Forests Provincial Forest Entomologist. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

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Coristine, L.E., and J.T. Kerr. 2011. Habitat loss, climate change and emerging conservation challenges in Canada. Canadian Journal of Zoology 89: 435 – 451.

Crowe, Tyla. 2008 – 2010. Galiano Island Conservancy, Galiano Island. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

Dana, R.P. 1991. Conservation management of the Prairie Skippers Hesperia dacotae and Hesperia ottoe: basic biology and threat of mortality during prescribed burning in spring. Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 594 – 1991 (AD-SB-5511-S). University of Minnesota, St. Paul. 63 pp.

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Dunn, Michael. 2008 – 2010. Mayne Island Conservancy, Mayne Island. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

Emmel, J.F., T.C. Emmel, and S.O. Mattoon. 1998. The types of California butterflies named by Jean Alphonse Boisduval: designation of lectotypes and a neotype, and fixation of type localities. pp. 3-76 in Emmel, T.C. (editor). 1998. Systematics of Western North American Butterflies. Mariposa Press, Gainesville, FL. 878 pp.

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Erickson, W. 1993. Garry Oak Ecosystems. Ecosystems in British Columbia at Risk Series. Conservation Data Centre, Wildlife Branch. Victoria: B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. 6 pp.

Erickson, W. 1995. Classification and interpretation of Garry Oak (Quercus garryana) plant communities and ecosystems in southwestern British Columbia. MSc. Thesis. Department of Geography, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC. 307 pp.

Faber-Langendoen, D., L.L. Master, J. Nichols, K. Snow, A. Tomaino, R. Bittman, G. Hammerson, B. Heidel, L. Ramsay, and B. Young. 2009. NatureServe Conservation Status Assessment: Methodology for Assigning Ranks. NatureServe, Arlington, VA.

Fyson, Andrew. 2010. Denman Conservancy, Denman Island. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

Fuchs, M. 2000. Towards a recovery strategy for Garry Oaks and associated ecosystems in Canada: Ecological Assessment and Literature Review. Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service. 106 pp.

Fuchs, Marilyn. 2010. Capital Regional District, Victoria. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

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Greater Vancouver Real Estate. 2011. Greater Vancouver Regional Housing Development Interactive Map.

Guppy, C.S. and A.I. Fischer. 2001. Inventory of rare butterflies of southern Vancouver Island, 2001 field season. Prepared for the B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. 60 pp.

Guppy, C.S and J.H. Shepard. 2001. Butterflies of British Columbia. Royal British Columbia Museum and University of British Columbia Press: 414 pp.

Guppy, C.S., N. Kroeker, and C. Webb. 2007. Taylor’s Checkerspot butterfly on the Denman Island Settlement Lands. Parks Canada Agency, Sidney, B.C. 25 pp.

Guppy, C.S. 2008. Butterfly inventory 2008 of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Unpublished report submitted to the B.C. Ministry of Environment and Parks Canada Agency, Vancouver, B.C.

Guppy, Crispin. 2006 – 2013. Lepidopterist, Quesnel, B.C., and Whitehorse, Yukon. Personal communications to Jennifer Heron and Syd Cannings.

Hanski, I. 1982. Inferences from ecological incidence functions. The American Naturalist 139: 657 – 662.

Haubensak, K.A., and I.M. Parker. 2004. Soil changes accompanying invasion of the exotic shrub Cytisus scoparius in glacial outwash prairies of western Washington [USA]. Plant Ecology 175:71-79.

Hebda, R.J. 1997. Impact of climate change on biogeoclimatic zones of British Columbia and Yukon. pp.13-1 to 13-15 in: E. Taylor and B. Taylor, eds. Responding to Global Climate Change in British Columbia and Yukon. Volume 1 of the Canada Country Study: Climate Impacts and Adaptation, Environment Canada, Ottawa. ON.

Heitzman, J.R. 1965. The early stages of Euphyes vestris. Journal of Research on the Lepidoptera 3:151–153.

Junck, Chris. 2003 – 2010. Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team, Victoria. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

Kirkby, J. and D. Cake. 2004. Tracking Ecosystem Loss on East Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands: Recent Research and Application (PDF; 893 Kb). In Hopper, T.D., Editor. Proceedings of the Species At Risk 2004 Pathways to Recovery Conference. March 2 – 6, 2004, Victoria, B.C. Species at Risk 2004 Pathways to Recovery Organizing Committee, Victoria, B.C.

Knopp, D, L. Larkin, and J. Heron. 2007. Survey for Dun Skipper (Euphyes vestris) in the Lower Fraser Valley, B.C., B.C. Ministry of Environment, Ecosystems Branch, Wildlife Science Section, UBC Campus, 315 – 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, B.C. 53 pp.

Knopp, D, L. Larkin, and J. Heron. 2009. Surveys for Dun Skipper (Euphyes vestris) in the Lower Fraser Valley, B.C., B.C. Ministry of Environment, Ecosystems Branch, Wildlife Science Section, UBC Campus, 315 – 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, B.C. 53 pp.

Knopp, D, L. Larkin, and J. Heron. 2010. Surveys for Dun Skipper (Euphyes vestris) and Western Bumblebee (Bombus occidentalis) in the Lower Fraser Valley, B.C., B.C. Ministry of Environment, Ecosystem Protection and Sustainability Branch, Terrestrial Conservation Science Section, UBC Campus, 315 – 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, B.C. 53 pp.

Knopp, Denis. 2007 – 2013. B.C.’s Wild Heritage Consulting, Sardis, B.C. Personal communications to Jennifer Heron, B.C. Conservation Data Centre, and Syd Cannings.

Law, Tony. 2005 – 2009. Conservancy Hornby, Hornby Island. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

Layberry, R.A., P.W. Hall, and J.D. Lafontaine. 1998. The butterflies of Canada. Toronto, Buffalo & London; University of Toronto Press. 280 pp.

MacNeil, C.D. 1964. The skippers of the genus Hesperia in western North America with special reference to California (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae). University of California Publications in Entomology 35: 230 pp.

Master, L.L., D. Faber-Langendoen, R. Bittman, G.A. Hammerson, B. Heidel, L. Ramsay, A. Tomaino, and J. Nichols. 2009. NatureServe Conservation Status Assessment: Factors for Assessing Extinction Risk. NatureServe, Arlington, VA.

Miskelly, J. 2003. Hornby Island: Rare and endangered butterfly inventory 2003. B.C. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, Vancouver, B.C. Internal report.

Miskelly, James. 2010. Independent Entomologist, Victoria Natural History Society, Victoria, B.C.

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Page, N., J. Heron, C. Webb and N. Kroeker. 2007. Survey for Taylor’s Checkerspot and other butterflies on Denman and Hornby Islands (2007). Report prepared for B.C. Ministry of Environment and Parks Canada Agency, Vancouver, B.C.

Page, N., P. Lilley, J. Miskelly, M. Connolly and J. Heron. 2008a. Survey for Taylor’s Checkerspot and other butterflies in the Shawnigan Lake area. Report prepared for B.C. Ministry of Environment, Vancouver, B.C.

Page, N., P. Lilley, J. Heron, and N. Kroeker. 2008b. Distribution and Habitat Characteristics of Taylor’s Checkerspot on Denman Island and Adjacent Areas of Vancouver Island (2008). Report prepared for B.C. Ministry of Environment and Parks Canada Agency. v + 32 pp.

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Page, N. and P. Lilley. 2009b. Survey for butterflies in Victoria Parks (2009). Report prepared for Victoria Parks, Victoria, B.C.

Page, Nick. 2003 – 2010. Raincoast Applied Ecology, Vancouver, B.C. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

Parkinson, L., S.A. Blanchette, J. Heron. 2009. Surveys for Dun Skipper (Euphyes vestris) in the Harrison Lake Area, British Columbia, July 2009. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Ecosystems Branch, Wildlife Science Section, Vancouver, B.C. 51 pp.

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Potter, Ann. 2005 – 2010. United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, USA. Personal communication to Jennifer Heron.

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Biographical Summary of Report Writer

Jennifer Heron is the provincial invertebrate specialist with the B.C. Ministry of Environment. She directs and manages the provincial approach to invertebrate conservation, including the development and implementation of provincial legislation, policy, procedures, and standards for the conservation, and recovery of invertebrate species at risk, their habitats and ecosystems, and to keep these species from becoming at risk. She works with other invertebrate specialists to develop recovery-planning approaches and assign conservation status ranks to invertebrate groups. She works with local conservation and stewardship groups to achieve common public outreach goals.

Collections Examined

  • Shepard, 2000ab for records in museums outside of British Columbia (previous status report).
  • Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria, B.C. (Claudia Copley, Collections Manager, pers. comm. 2010)
  • University of British Columbia, Beaty Biodiversity Museum, Spencer Entomological Collection (Karen Needham, Collections Manager, pers. comm. 2010).

Appendix 1.

A) Dun Skipper habitat west of Morris Lake, at Morris Valley Ski Hill Road (Table 1). Two Dun Skippers observed July 7, 2010 (previously visited in 2007). Photograph by Denis Knopp.

Photo of Dun Skipper habitat at Morris Valley Ski Hill road.

Long Description for Appendix 1-A

B) Dun Skipper habitat at the Gas Pipeline right-of-way, near Hope. Seven Dun Skipper adults observed July 7, 2010. Early successional habitat dominated by nectar source, Spreading Dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium L.) in 2007. Since 2007, the roadside successional vegetation has outgrown Spreading Dogbane and site is now covered by invading Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus discolor) and White Virgin’s Bower (Clematis virginiana L.) (Knopp et al. 2010). Photograph by Denis Knopp.

Photo of Dun Skipper habitat at the Gas Pipeline right-of-way near Hope.

Long Description for Appendix 1-B

C) Habitat south of the town of D’Arcy, at a ditched right-of way on the Blackwater Lake Road, with grassy patches and exposed gravel. One female Dun Skipper observed July 22, 2009 nectaring on Alfalfa. Alfalfa lined the road edge interspersed with Dogbane, Douglas-fir and scattered Ponderosa Pine. The presence of a gravel pit and exposed rocky slopes surrounding the site may contribute to dry, warm conditions (Knopp et al. 2009). Photograph by Denis Knopp.

Photo of Dun Skipper habitat at a ditched right-of-way on Blackwater Lake Road near D'Arcy.

Long Description for Appendix 1-C

D) Pemberton Meadows, west of town of Pemberton on the Upper Lillooet Forest Service Road. Habitat included floodplain forest with a strip of nectar plants along the roadside, a large wetland to the south, and hillside/bluffs (~80% slope) with continuous Douglas-fir forest to the north. One female Dun skipper July 24, 2009 nectaring on Alfalfa Photograph by Denis Knopp.

Photo of Dun Skipper habitat beside the Upper Lillooet Forest Service Road near Pemberton Meadows.

Long Description for Appendix 1-D

E) Powerline right-of-way between the Nanaimo River and Nanaimo River Road, on the north side of river (July 22, 2010). One Dun Skipper individual perched briefly on Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus Nutt.) beside willow (Salix spp.) thicket along small stream beneath transmission powerlines. Small numbers of sedge plants were found along stream. This site is also the previous record labelled “Nanaimo River” (Table 1). Areas under the powerline have been cleared and resemble a regenerating clear-cut. Photograph by Patrick Lilley.

Photo of Dun Skipper habitat near a powerline right-of-way between the Nanaimo River and Nanaimo River Road.

Long Description for Appendix 1-E

F) Powerline right-of-way between the Nanaimo River and Nanaimo River Road, on the north side of river (July 22, 2010). One Dun Skipper individual perched briefly on Thimbleberry beside willow thicket along a small stream beneath powerlines. Small numbers of sedge plants were found along stream. This site is also the previous record labelled “Nanaimo River” (Table 1). Areas under the powerline have been cleared and resemble a regenerating clear-cut. Photograph by Patrick Lilley.

Photo of Dun Skipper habitat near a powerline right-of-way between the Nanaimo River and Nanaimo River Road.

Long Description for Appendix 1-F

G) Grassy shoulder/water main right-of-way along the Nanaimo River Road (July 21, 2010). Seven Dun Skippers were observed nectaring on patch of Spreading Dogbane along grassy road shoulder. Photograph by Patrick Lilley.

Photo of Dun Skipper habitat on the grassy shoulder and water main right-of-way along the Nanaimo River Road.

Long Description for Appendix 1-G

H) Grassy shoulder/water main right-of-way along Nanaimo River Road (July 21, 2010). Seven Dun Skippers observed nectaring on patch of Spreading Dogbane along grassy road shoulder. Photograph by Patrick Lilley.

Photo of Dun Skipper habitat on the grassy shoulder and water main right-of-way along the Nanaimo River Road.

Long Description for Appendix 1-H

I) Water main right-of-way between Nanaimo River and Nanaimo River Road, on north side of river (July 22, 2010). Ten Dun Skippers observed nectaring on large patch of Spreading Dogbane growing over the rocky area of right-of-way. Photograph by Patrick Lilley.

Photo of Dun Skipper habitat on a water main right-of-way between the Nanaimo River and Nanaimo River Road, on the north side of the river.

Long Description for Appendix 1-I

J) Water main right-of-way between the Nanaimo River and Nanaimo River Road, on north side of river (July 22, 2010). Ten Dun Skippers observed nectaring on large patch of 1 Spreading Dogbane growing over the rocky area of right-of-way. Photograph by Patrick Lilley.

Photo of Dun Skipper habitat on a water main right-of-way between the Nanaimo River and Nanaimo River Road, on the north side of river.

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