Columbia dune moth (Copablepharon absidum): COSEWIC assessment and status report 2017

Columbia Dune Moth

Columbia Dune Moth
Photo: © by Jocelyn Gill. Specimen housed at the Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Ottawa, ON

Data deficient
2017

Table of contents

List of figures

  • Figure 1. Mounted specimens of the Columbia Dune Moth (Copablepharon absidum).
  • Figure 2. Distribution of the Columbia Dune Moth in North America.
  • Figure 3. Distribution of the Columbia Dune Moth in Canada. Black dots show sites at Lillooet, Osoyoos, and Kaslo, BC.
  • Figure 4. Habitat at sites trapped around Lillooet, BC sampled September 4 - 5, 2005. Sandy ridge above bank of Fraser River with wind-deposited sand (Airport Gardens site).
  • Figure 5. Habitat characteristics in sites trapped around Lillooet, BC: a sandy site disturbed by ATV use adjacent to Airport Gardens site sampled on September 4 - 5, 2005.
  • Figure 6. Habitat characteristics in sites trapped around Lillooet, BC: representative sandy habitats along the Fraser River near the Lytton cable ferry that were trapped for the Columbia Dune Moth. Sampled September 3 - 4, 2005.
  • Figure 7. Habitat characteristics in sites trapped around Osoyoos: sites in the Osoyoos Desert Centre. August 26 - 27, 2005.
  • Figure 8. Habitat characteristics in sites trapped around Osoyoos, BC, Haynes Lease Ecological Reserve. August 25 - 26, 2005.
  • Figure 9. Habitat characteristics in sites trapped around Osoyoos, BC: sandy cutbank near Hester Creek Winery. August 25 - 26, 2005.
  • Figure 10. Habitat characteristics in sites trapped at the north end of Kootenay Lake (near Kaslo) August 23, 2016.
  • Figure 11. Habitat characteristics in sites trapped at the north end of Kootenay Lake (near Kaslo) August 25, 2016.
  • Figure 12. Landscape-scale changes to habitats around Osoyoos between 1938 (left) and 2001 (right).
  • Figure 13. Landscape-scale changes to habitats around Osoyoos as of 2016.
  • Figure 14. Search sites for moths in BC.
  • Figure 15. Estimated flight season of the Columbia Dune Moth based on all known museum records (Canada and United States).

List of tables

  • Table 1. Canadian records of the Columbia Dune Moth (Copablepharon absidum).
  • Table 2. Search effort within sand habitats within the potential range of the Columbia Dune Moth
  • Table 3. The threat classification below is based on the IUCN-CMP (World Conservation Union-Conservation Measures Partnership) unified threats classification system.
  • Table 4. Land ownership and protection status for the historical Canadian population of the Columbia Dune Moth.

Document information

COSEWIC Assessment and status report on the Columbia Dune Moth Copablepharon absidum, 2017

COSEWIC Assessment and Status Report on the Blanding’s Turtle

COSEWIC
Committee on the Status
of Endangered Wildlife
in Canada

COSEWIC logo

COSEPAC
Comité sur la situation
des espèces en péril
au Canada

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) status reports are working documents used in assigning the status of wildlife species suspected of being at risk. This report may be cited as follows:

COSEWIC. 2017. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Columbia Dune Moth Copablepharon absidum in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. x + 44 pp. (Species at Risk Public Registry website).

Production note:

COSEWIC acknowledges Nicholas A. Page for writing the provisional status report on Columbia Dune Moth (Copablepharon absidum) prepared under contract with Environment Canada and completed in 2006. The contractor’s involvement with the writing of the status report ended with the acceptance of this provisional report. At that time, the Arthropods Specialist Subcommittee decided additional field verification was required prior to the species assessment and the status report was put on hold. In 2016 additional fieldwork was completed and the report updated by Jennifer Heron.

For additional copies contact:

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

Tel.: 819-938-4125
Fax: 819-938-3984
E-mail: COSEWIC E-mail
Website: COSEWIC

Également disponible en français sous le titre Évaluation et rapport de situation du COSEPAC sur la Noctuelle jaune du bassin Columbia (Copablepharon absidum) au Canada.

Cover illustration/photo:

Columbia Dune Moth - Photo by Jocelyn Gill. Specimen housed at the Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Ottawa, ON.

COSEWIC assessment summary

Assessment summary - april 2017

Common name
Columbia Dune Moth
Scientific name
Copablepharon absidum
Status
Data deficient
Reason for designation
This moth is known from open and sparsely vegetated sand dune habitats at three localities (Kaslo, Lillooet, and Osoyoos) within the southern interior of British Columbia. While open sand habitats are rare in the province, and declining in quality, suitable habitat still remains. However, surveys to verify occurrences since the last record in 1953 have been too infrequent and are insufficient to draw any conclusions about extent of occurrence, population size, threats, or trends.
Occurrence
British Columbia
Status history
Species considered in April 2017 and placed in the Data Deficient category.

COSEWIC executive summary

Columbia Dune Moth
Copablepharon absidum

Wildlife species description and significance

The Columbia Dune Moth, Copablepharon absidum, is a medium-sized moth (forewing length 16-19 mm) in the family Noctuidae. The forewings are yellow or yellow-orange, often with olive-grey shading, and two slightly paler streaks along its wings.

The Columbia Dune Mothis closely associated with sparsely vegetated sandy habitats in the driest and warmest regions of Canada. It is one of several focal species representing the sensitivity and uniqueness of this habitat type in Canada.

Distribution

The global range of the Columbia Dune Moth is from southern British Columbia (BC), south to the United States through the arid interior of Washington to southern Oregon, and east into Idaho. In Canada, the moth is known from three localities, all in BC and separated by large distances of unsuitable habitat: Lillooet (collected once in 1916), Kaslo (collected once in 1923), and Osoyoos (numerous specimens collected in 1953).

Habitat

The Columbia Dune Moth is primarily associated with open and arid sparsely vegetated, sandy habitats including low elevation Antelope-brush and Sagebrush steppe, sandy grasslands, and dunes. In BC, these habitats are often adjacent to rivers or lakes that experience periodic sand accretion and deposition thereby maintaining open sandy habitat with few trees.

Biology

Little is known about the biology of the Columbia Dune Moth. There have been no observations of mating, egg laying, larval development, or pupation in Canada. However, sampling records elsewhere in the species’ range indicate it is bivoltine and adults fly from late April to early June and again from late July to early October. Dispersal abilities have not been assessed, but there is no information that indicates it migrates.

Columbia Dune Moth does not rely on a specific host plant for its life cycle. Collections in Washington State have recorded larvae in sand beneath an unidentified sand-verbena plant, grass, and a trailing legume. Captive-bred larvae complete development and emerge as adults after a one-month pupal stage. Early instar larvae also overwinter, similar to other moths in the Copablepharon genus.

Population sizes and trends

There is no quantitative information on population sizes and trends for the Columbia Dune Moth in Canada or elsewhere in the species’ global range. Loss of sandy habitat at Osoyoos and Lillooet combined with more widespread changes to arid habitats throughout its range suggests that subpopulations, if present, have also potentially declined. The Kaslo specimen was collected prior to the installation of the Corra Linn Dam on Kootenay Lake, which flooded natural sandy habitats at the lakeshore. Repeated sampling has failed to detect the Columbia Dune Moth at or near historical population sites.

The closest known population in the United States is near Brewster, Washington, approximately 106 km south of the historical locality at Osoyoos. The possibility of recolonization over this distance is unlikely, although further sampling in the intervening area is required.

Surveys to verify occurrences since the last record in 1953 have been too infrequent and are insufficient to draw any conclusions about extent of occurrence, population size, threats, or trends.

Threats and limiting factors

Development activities that result in direct loss of sandy habitat are a threat to the Columbia Dune Moth. This includes the conversion of open natural sandy habitats to agriculture, predominantly vineyards. Conversion or decline in habitat quality may also occur through other activities such as urban housing and commercial development, off-road vehicle use, livestock ranching, and natural system modifications.

The Columbia Dune Moth in Canada may be at risk from demographic collapse; subpopulations are spatially isolated and may have increased risk of extirpation. Demographic collapse is considered a limiting factor that exacerbates the effects of other threats.

Protection, status and ranks

Columbia Dune Moth is not protected in any jurisdiction in Canada. The BC Conservation Data Centre has assigned the species the conservation status rank of SH (historical).

Technical summary

Scientific name:
Copablepharon absidum
English name:
Columbia Dune Moth
French name:
Noctuelle jaune du bassin Columbia
Range of occurrence in Canada:
British Columbia

Demographic information

Demographic information
Summary items Information
Generation time 4-8 months assuming Canadian population to be bivoltine.
Is there an [observed, inferred, or projected] continuing decline in number of mature individuals? Not applicable. No records of this species in Canada for 63 years (last record 1953).
Estimated percent of continuing decline in total number of mature individuals within [5 years or 2 generations] Not applicable.
[Observed, estimated, inferred, or suspected] percent [reduction or increase] in total number of mature individuals over the last [10 years, or 3 generations]. Not applicable.
[Projected or suspected] percent [reduction or increase] in total number of mature individuals over the next [10 years, or 3 generations]. Not applicable.
[Observed, estimated, inferred, or suspected] percent [reduction or 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. Not applicable. No records of this species in Canada for 63 years (last record 1953).
Are the causes of the decline
a. clearly reversible and
b. understood and
c. ceased?
a. No.
b. No.
c. No.
Are there extreme fluctuations in number of mature individuals? No The number of specimens caught in light traps elsewhere within the species’ range is not substantial or considered to indicate extreme population fluctuation.

Extent and occupancy information

Extent and occupancy information
Summary items Information
Estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) 6,220 km2 based on its capture in three historical localities: Lillooet (1916); Kaslo (1926); and Osoyoos (1953).
Index of area of occupancy (IAO)
(Always report 2x2 grid value).
12 km2 Assuming historical localities may still be extant.
Is the population “severely fragmented” i.e., is >50% of its total area of occupancy in habitat patches that are (a) smaller than would be required to support a viable population, and (b) separated from other habitat patches by a distance larger than the species can be expected to disperse? a. Unknown.
b. Unknown.
Number of “locations”
See Definitions and Abbreviations on COSEWIC website and IUCN (Feb 2014) for more information on this term. (use plausible range to reflect uncertainty if appropriate)
3 locations.
Is there an [observed, inferred, or projected] decline in extent of occurrence? Unknown.
Is there an [observed, inferred, or projected] decline in index of area of occupancy? Unknown.
Is there an [observed, inferred, or projected] decline in number of subpopulations? Unknown.
Is there an [observed, inferred, or projected] decline in Number of “locations”
See Definitions and Abbreviations on COSEWIC website and IUCN (Feb 2014) for more information on this term.?
Unknown.
Is there an [observed, inferred, or projected] decline in [area, extent and/or quality] of habitat? Yes. Inferred. Based on decline in habitat area, extent and quality in the Osoyoos area.
Are there extreme fluctuations in number of subpopulations? No.
Number of “locations”
See Definitions and Abbreviations on COSEWIC website and IUCN (Feb 2014) for more information on this term. ?
No.
Are there extreme fluctuations in extent of occurrence? No.
Are there extreme fluctuations in index of area of occupancy? No.

Number of mature individuals (in each subpopulation)

Number of mature individuals (in each subpopulation)
Subpopulations (give plausible ranges) N Mature Individuals
Lillooet Unknown
Kaslo Unknown
Osoyoos Unknown
Total Unknown

Quantitative analysis

Quantitative analysis
Summary items Information
Is the probability of extinction in the wild at least [20% within 20 years or 5 generations, or 10% within 100 years]? Unknown. No data available and not possible to calculate.

Threats (direct, from highest impact to least, as per iucn threats calculator)

Threats (direct, from highest impact to least, as per iucn threats calculator)
Summary items Information
Was a threats calculator completed for this species?

Yes. Calculated impact Medium. 2.1. Annual & perennial non-timber crops - Medium What additional limiting factors are relevant?

  • Low dispersal ability.

Population isolation and demographic collapse.

Rescue effect (immigration from outside Canada)

Rescue effect (immigration from outside Canada)
Summary items Information
Status of outside population(s) most likely to provide immigrants to Canada. It is often abundant when collected in central Washington; however, the status of population in the United States is unknown.
Is immigration known or possible? Unknown, likely not possible.
Would immigrants be adapted to survive in Canada? Yes.
Is there sufficient habitat for immigrants in Canada? Yes, likely.
Are conditions deteriorating in Canada?
See Table 3 (Guidelines for modifying status assessment based on rescue effect).
Yes, based on land conversion and plant succession by native and non-native vegetation.
Are conditions for the source population deteriorating?
See Table 3 (Guidelines for modifying status assessment based on rescue effect).
Unknown. The habitat may be declining in some sites, but the moth is often found in abundance at sites in Washington and Oregon.
Is the Canadian population considered to be a sink?
See Table 3 (Guidelines for modifying status assessment based on rescue effect).
No.
Is rescue from outside populations likely? No. The closest known US population is near Brewster, WA, approximately 106 km south of the historical locality at Osoyoos. The possibility of recolonization over this distance is unlikely, although additional subpopulations may occur in the intervening area.

Data sensitive species

Data sensitive species
Summary items Information
Is this a data sensitive species? No.

Status history

Status history
Summary items Information
COSEWIC Species considered in April 2017 and placed in the Data Deficient category.

Status and reasons for designation:

Status and reasons for designation:
Summary items Information
Status Data Deficient
Alpha-numeric codes Not applicable
Reasons for designation This moth is known from open and sparsely vegetated sand dune habitats at three localities (Kaslo, Lillooet, and Osoyoos) within the southern interior of British Columbia. While open sand habitats are rare in the province, and declining in quality, suitable habitat still remains. However, surveys to verify occurrences since the last record in 1953 have been too infrequent and are insufficient to draw any conclusions about extent of occurrence, population size, threats, or trends.

Applicability of criteria

Applicability of criteria
Summary items Information
Criterion A (Decline in Total Number of Mature Individuals) Not applicable.
Criterion B (Small Distribution Range and Decline or Fluctuation) Not applicable.
Criterion C (Small and Declining Number of Mature Individuals) Not applicable.
Criterion D (Very Small or Restricted Population) Not applicable.
Criterion E (Quantitative Analysis) Not applicable. No data available.

Wildlife species description and significance

Name and classification

Scientific Name: Copablepharon absidum (Harvey 1875)

Classification:
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Noctuoidea
Family: Noctuidae
Subfamily: Noctuinae
Tribe: Agrotini
Genus: Copablepharon
Species: absidum

Synonyms:
Ablepharon absidum Harvey 1875
Arslonche absidum Harvey 1876
Copablepharon absida Hampson 1903
Copablepharon absida Barnes and McDunnough 1917

Type locality: Oregon.

English Names: Columbia Dune Moth.

French Name: Noctuelle jaune du bassin Columbia

Taxonomic Background and Similarities:

The Columbia Dune Moth (Copablepharon abdsidum) was first described by Harvey in 1875 as Ablepharon absidum (Harvey 1875). A year later he placed the species into the genus Arclonche (Harvey 1876). In 1878, Harvey (1878) proposed the genus Copablepharon, and A. absidum became the type species for the genus. At present, Copablepharon absidum is part of the absidum group, which also contains Sand-verbena Moth (Copablepharon fuscum) and Copablepharon atronitum (no English common name) (Lafontaine 2004; Pohl et al. 2016). There are no subspecies of the Columbia Dune Moth.

The Columbia Dune Moth is morphologically differentiated from the Sand-verbena Moth and Copablepharon atronitum by differences in male genitalia, morphology, colouration, and habitat preference (Lafontaine 2004). The Sand-verbena Moth is typically darker than the Columbia Dune Moth and the male has a wedge shaped clasper; it is confined to active coastal dunes in British Columbia (BC) and Washington State (WA) that contain large populations of a single host plant, Yellow Sand-verbena (Abronia latifolia). C. atronitum is larger than the Columbia Dune Moth, has a contrasting marked forewing patterns, minor differences in clasper shape, and is not known from BC (Pohl et al. 2015); it is thought to be confined to active dunes in southeastern Oregon, northwestern Nevada, and east-central California.

Morphological description

Adults:

The Columbia Dune Moth has yellow or yellow-orange forewings, often with diffuse olive-grey shading, with two slightly paler streaks along the cubital vein and fold (Lafontaine 2004) (Figure 1). Many individuals have a fine black line along the cubital vein, which often coalesces to form a postmedial line. The hindwing is white, sometimes with fine dark speckling, and has a series of black dots forming a postmedial line (Lafontaine 2004). The fringe is white. Forewing length ranges from 16 - 19 mm (Lafontaine 2004).

Eggs:

The eggs of the Columbia Dune Moth have not been described. Other Copablepharon moths have globular, translucent eggs about 0.3 mm in diameter (COSEWIC 2003).

Larvae:

Crumb (1956) described the larvae of theColumbia Dune Moth as pale grey with darker grey lines on the back and sides tinged with brown. The ventral surface is white. The head is also white and tinged or speckled with brown.

Pupae:

The pupae of the Columbia Dune Moth have not been described.

Genetic variation in a mitochondrial gene (CO1) was measured in a variety of Copablepharon species, including the Columbia Dune Moth, as part of the All Leps Barcode of Life project (Biodiversity Institute of Ontario 2016). Initial results indicate that the three named species in the absidum group (Columbia Dune Moth, Sand-verbena Moth, and C. atronitum) show no barcode differences (D. Lafontaine pers. comm. 2006) and additional non-mitochondrial genes need to be analyzed. These three species are geographically isolated with slight differences in genitalia, a morphological character that resulted in describing them as separate species and not subspecies.

Figure 1. Mounted specimens of the Columbia Dune Moth (Copablepharon absidum). Top photo male; bottom photo female. Specimen housed at the Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Ottawa, ON.
Mounted  specimens of the Columbia Dune Moth
Photo: © Jocelyn Gill
Long description for Figure 1

Photo of two mounted specimens of the Columbia Dune Moth, one male and one female. The Columbia Dune moth has forewings that are yellow or yellow-orange, often with diffuse olive-grey shading, and two slightly paler streaks. The hindwing and fringe are white.

Population spatial structure and variability

The population structure of the Columbia Dune Moth has not been studied. The species has been recorded from three geographically distinct localities separated by unsuitable habitat; individuals likely do not intermix and thus support three separate and isolated subpopulations. Within these subpopulations, sandy habitats often occur as a mosaic intermixed with more stable, vegetated areas. This often leads to a patchily distributed metapopulation structure in species associated with sandy habitats.

Designatable units

Columbia Dune Mothis being assessed as one designatable unit. There is no information on discreteness or evolutionary significance among the three subpopulations in Canada. The species occurs within the COSEWIC Southern Mountain Ecological Area.

Special significance

Columbia Dune Mothis closely associated with sandy habitats and two of its three Canadian localities (Osoyoos and Lillooet) are from the driest and warmest regions in Canada. It can be considered one of several focal species representing the sensitivity and uniqueness of this habitat type in Canada, particularly of the low elevation sandy Antelope-brush (Purshia tridentata) habitats (Osoyoos locality) that are under pressure from rapid development in the south Okanagan Valley.

Columbia Dune Moth does not appear to provide an essential ecosystem role (e.g., pollination, habitat creation, food web, or predation) that would not be provided by other moths.

Copablepharon moths are of interest to entomologists and taxonomists because of their rarity and association with spatially isolated sandy habitats. All Copablepharon moths are associated with sandy habitats, which are rare in Canada, including the Pale Yellow Dune Moth (Copablepharon grandis) (COSEWIC 2007a), Dusky Dune Moth (COSEWIC 2007b) and C. viridisparsa. It is noteworthy that C. viridisparsa hopfingeri historically occurred in one site with sandy habitat at Brilliant, BC, and is the only moth taxon confirmed to have been extirpated from western Canada (Lafontaine and Troubridge 1998). Sand-verbena Moth (Copablepharon fuscum) is the only Copablepharon moth west of the Cascade Mountains (Troubridge and Crabo 1995), is rare in southwestern BC and was re-assessed Endangered by COSEWIC in 2013 (COSEWIC 2013).

There is no information that suggests that the Columbia Dune Mothhas, or had, an important cultural or economic role for First Nations.

Distribution

Global range

The Columbia Dune Moth is a regional endemic; its distribution is primarily restricted to the dry interior region of the Columbia Basin and extends from southern BC, through central Washington, and into Oregon (Figure 2). The most northern locality is Lillooet, BC, and the most southern is near Andrews in southern Oregon. It has also been captured in south-central Idaho. The estimated global range extent is 81,900 kmP2, with many occurrences disjunct and without contiguous intervening habitat.

Figure 2. Distribution of the Columbia Dune Moth in North America.
Distribution of the Columbia Dune Moth in  North America.
Long description for Figure 2

Map of the distribution of the Columbia Dune Moth in North America. The distribution is restricted primarily to the dry interior region of the Columbia Basin and extends from southern British Columbia, through central Washington, and into Oregon. The most northern locality is Lillooet, British Columbia, and the most southern is near Andrews in southern Oregon.

Canadian range

In Canada, the Columbia Dune Moth has been recorded from three localities within the southern interior of BC (Table 1): Lillooet (one specimen in 1916); Kaslo (one specimen in 1926) and Osoyoos (49 specimens, likely from the same site, in 1953) (Figure 3). These three localities likely represent three geographically distinct and separate subpopulations. Both Lillooet and Osoyoos are known for their arid climate with hot, dry summers. Kaslo is located on the western shore of Kootenay Lake in a much cooler and wetter climate.

Table 1. Canadian records of the Columbia Dune Moth ( Copablepharon absidum).
Locality Date No. Sex Collector Deposited N* W*
Lillooet August 24, 1916 1 unk. A.W.A. Phair UBC 50.600 121.800
Kaslo May 20, 1926 1 male A.A. Dennys CNC 49.917 116.917
Osoyoos August 23, 1953 8 male J.E.H. Martin CNC 49.033 119.450
Osoyoos August 23, 1953 5 female J.E.H. Martin CNC 49.033 119.450
Osoyoos August 25, 1953 22 male J.E.H. Martin CNC 49.033 119.450
Osoyoos August 25, 1953 14 female J.E.H. Martin CNC 49.033 119.450

UBC = Spencer Entomological Collection, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
CNC = Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario
* = generalized coordinates based on the gazetted location for Lillooet, Kaslo and Osoyoos. The specific collection locality is unknown.

Figure 3. Distribution of the Columbia Dune Moth in Canada. Black dots show sites at Lillooet, Osoyoos, and Kaslo, BC.
Distribution of the Columbia Dune Moth in  Canada. Black dots show sites at Lillooet, Osoyoos, and Kaslo, BC.
Long description for Figure 3

Map of the distribution of the Columbia Dune Moth in Canada. Symbols indicate sites at Lillooet, Osoyoos, and Kaslo, British Columbia.

Extent of occurrence and area of occupancy

The estimated extent of occurrence in Canada is 6,220 km2. The estimated index of area of occupancy is 12 km2 based on 2 km x 2 km grid squares. It is inferred this species may still be present at the historical localities (Kaslo, Lillooet and Osoyoos).

Search effort

Historical specimen information

There are a total of 51 specimens of the Columbia Dune Moth collected from three separate and isolated localities in BC: Lillooet (only record: 1916), Kaslo (only record: 1926) and Osoyoos (last record: 1953) (Table 1; Figures 4 - 11). These capture records are considered historical. None of them are accompanied by detailed site information, nor are there field notes or other information that would allow the capture site to be identified. The known collection information is summarized below:

Lillooet specimen:

A. Phair, who captured the first record for Canada at Lillooet in August 1916 (although the specimen was not correctly identified by J. Troubridge until 2003), was a butterfly collector, naturalist, and photographer. The Lillooet Museum was contacted to determine if there were any field books which might contain additional information on where he collected moths and butterflies; none were found.

Kaslo specimen:

A.A. Dennys collected invertebrates in the Kootenay region in the 1920s and in 1926 captured the Columbia Dune Moth in Kaslo; similarly, no field books or other information are available. J.W. Cockle owned the Kaslo Hotel and collected many insects, including a substantial number of moths, from at least 1903 to 1922 (based on the label data of the specimens housed at the Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Schmidt pers. comm. 2016). His mothing exploits were fairly well known among the eminent lepidopterists at the time. H.G. Dyar, a well-known and prolific moth specialist from the Smithsonian, stayed with him to collect in 1903. Neither lepidopterist collected any Copablepharon.

Figure 4. Habitat at sites trapped around Lillooet, BC sampled September 4 - 5, 2005. Sandy ridge above bank of Fraser River with wind-deposited sand (Airport Gardens site).
Habitat  at sites trapped around Lillooet, BC sampled September 4 - 5, 2005
Photo: © by Nick Page.
Long description for Figure 4

Photo of habitat at a site (Airport Gardens) near Lillooet sampled for Columbia Dune Moth on September 4 and 5, 2005, showing a sandy ridge above the bank of the Fraser River.

Figure 5. Habitat characteristics in sites trapped around Lillooet, BC: a sandy site disturbed by ATV use adjacent to Airport Gardens site sampled on September 4 - 5, 2005.
Habitat  characteristics in sites trapped around Lillooet
Photo: © by Nick Page
Long description for Figure 5

Photo de l’habitat potentiel de la noctuelle jaune du bassin Columbia (à côté du site Airport Gardens illustré à la figure 4), montrant un site perturbé par des véhicules tout terrain.

Figure 6. Habitat characteristics in sites trapped around Lillooet, BC: representative sandy habitats along the Fraser River near the Lytton cable ferry that were trapped for the Columbia Dune Moth. Sampled September 3 - 4, 2005.
Habitat  characteristics in sites trapped around Lillooet
Photo: © by Nick Page
Long description for Figure 6

Photo of habitat at a site near Lillooet sampled for Columbia Dune Moth on September 3 and 4, 2005, showing a sandy area along the Fraser River near the Lytton cable ferry.

Figure 7. Habitat characteristics in sites trapped around Osoyoos: sites in the Osoyoos Desert Centre. August 26 - 27, 2005.
Habitat  characteristics in sites trapped around Osoyoos.
Photo: © by Nick Page
Long description for Figure 7

Photo of habitat at a site near Osoyoos (Osoyoos Desert Centre) sampled for Columbia Dune Moth on August 26 and 27, 2005.

Figure 8. Habitat characteristics in sites trapped around Osoyoos, BC, Haynes Lease Ecological Reserve. August 25 - 26, 2005.
Habitat  characteristics in sites trapped around Osoyoos, BC, Haynes Lease Ecological  Reserve. August 25 - 26, 2005.
Photo: © by Nick Page
Long description for Figure 8

Photo of habitat at a site near Osoyoos (Haynes Ecological Reserve) sampled for Columbia Dune Moth on August 25 and 26, 2005.

Figure 9. Habitat characteristics in sites trapped around Osoyoos, BC: sandy cutbank near Hester Creek Winery. August 25 - 26, 2005.
Habitat  characteristics in sites trapped around Osoyoos, BC: sandy cutbank near Hester  Creek Winery. August 25 - 26, 2005.
Photo: © by Nick Page
Long description for Figure 9

Photo of habitat at a site near Osoyoos sampled for Columbia Dune Moth on August 25 and 26, 2005, showing a sandy cutbank near Hester Creek Winery.

Figure 10. Habitat characteristics in sites trapped at the north end of Kootenay Lake (near Kaslo) August 23, 2016.
Habitat  characteristics in sites trapped at the north end of Kootenay Lake (near Kaslo)  August 23, 2016.
Photo: © by Jennifer Heron
Long description for Figure 10

Photo of habitat at a site near the north end of Kootenay Lake (near Kaslo) sampled for Columbia Dune Moth on August 23, 2016.

Figure 11. Habitat characteristics in sites trapped at the north end of Kootenay Lake (near Kaslo) August 25, 2016.
Habitat  characteristics in sites trapped at the north end of Kootenay Lake (near Kaslo)  August 25, 2016.
Photo: © by Jennifer Heron.
Long description for Figure 11

Photo of habitat at a site near the north end of Kootenay Lake (near Kaslo) sampled for Columbia Dune Moth on August 25, 2016.

Osoyoos specimens:

J.E.H. Martin was an entomologist with Agriculture Canada and captured 49 specimens in Osoyoos in 1953. His field notebooks, other moth records and information seem to have been lost (Anweiler pers. comm. 2016; Schmidt pers. comm. 2016). There is limited open sand dune habitat in the Okanagan, although the lower benches of the Osoyoos Indian Reserve are dominated by sandy habitats (Figure 12 and 13). These areas, as well as other areas within the current urban areas of the town of Osoyoos, may have been where J.E.H. Martin collected in 1953. The Osoyoos Indian Band lands have not been well-surveyed for moths in recent years (2000 - present). Other potential habitats may occur along the Columbia River south of Castlegar, although sampling in 2009 (Westcott 2009) did not record the species.

Strickland (1920) mentions that of the six Copablepharon species known at that time, including Columbia Dune Moth, none are very common or commonly collected. Since this publication, however, 10 - 12 specimens of the moth have been recorded at light traps in southern Washington and Oregon, with the most recent specimens collected in 2002 (Lafontaine 2004; Crabo pers. comm. 2016).

Figure 12. Landscape-scale changes to habitats around Osoyoos between 1938 (left) and 2001 (right). Key features are marked: (A) areas of open sand in Osoyoos Indian Reserve (not sampled in 2004 - 2006 or 2016); (B) area of open sand along point that is now completely developed; (C) trap site in 2005 and 2006 along highway margin (no Columbia Dune Moth captured in three trap nights but one Copablepharon spiritum in 2006); (D) extensive urban development in the past 60 years; (F) extensive agricultural activity in the past 60 years; and (G) new development area (golf course, hotel and visitor centre) (not shown on 2001 orthophoto; shown in Figure 13: 2016 orthophoto).
Landscape-scale  changes to habitats around Osoyoos between 1938 (left) and 2001 (right)
Long description for Figure 12

Side-by-side aerial images of habitats around Osoyoos enabling comparison of landscape-scale changes between 1938 (left image) and 2001 (right image). Key features marked are areas of open sand in Osoyoos Indian Reserve; area of open sand along a point that is now completely developed; a trap site in 2005 and 2006 along a highway margin; extensive urban development in the past 60 years; and extensive agricultural activity in the past 60 years.

Survey methods

Copablepharon moths are readily captured in black/ultraviolet and mercury light-traps within suitable habitats during the flight season. This search effort method is considered appropriate for this and other Copablepharon moth species (Holden pers. comm. 2016; Schmidt pers. comm. 2016). It is noteworthy that Copablepharon spiritum was captured at two sites in the Osoyoos area while sampling for the Columbia Dune Moth (Page pers. data). Copablepharon spiritum is often caught simultaneously with the Columbia Dune Moth in Washington and Oregon (Crabo pers. comm. 2006). These were the first records for this species in Canada.

Recent (since 2000) search effort

Search effort in preparation for this status report and specifically for Columbia Dune Moth took place in 2004 - 2006 and again in 2016 (Table 2). Search effort in 2016 totalled at least 107 trap nights over 43 sites (6 in the Kaslo area; 12 in the Lillooet area; 19 in the Osoyoos area [as far north as Penticton] and 6 in the Kelowna area). Columbia Dune Moth was not recorded during these surveys. Figures 4 - 11 show the locality and habitat conditions at some of the 2004 - 2006 and 2016 sampling sites.

Table 2. Search effort within sand habitats within the potential range of the Columbia Dune Moth
Date Number of sites Traps Trap nights Columbia Dune Moth Reference
2004-2006 seven sites in sandy habitats in the Lillooet, Lytton and Osoyoos areas Light traps (bucket traps with 12V UV lights) 13 trap nights; some sites were sampled using multiple traps or trapped twice None. N. Page (in preparation of this status report in 2004 - 2006)
2009, August 18, 20 and 21 7 sites within the Castlegar area Light trap (bucket traps with 12V UV lights) 14 trap nights; 2 traps per site per night None. Westcott 2009
2013 At least 5 sites within the south Okanagan grasslands, Osoyoos area Light trap (UV lights adjacent to a white sheet; some sites bucket traps with 12V UV light) 10 trap nights; 1 trap per site per night None. D. Holden pers. comm. 2016
2013,
June 21 - 22
Sage and Sparrow grasslands, The Nature Trust private conservation property Light trap (UV lights adjacent to a white sheet; some sites bucket traps with 12V UV light) 2 trap nights; 1 light trap/sheet moth collection None. D. Holden pers. comm. 2016
2014 At least 5 sites within the south Okanagan grasslands, Osoyoos area Light trap (UV lights adjacent to a white sheet; some sites bucket traps with 12V UV light) 10 trap nights; 1 trap per site per night None. D. Holden pers. comm. 2016
2015 At least 5 sites within the south Okanagan grasslands, Osoyoos area Light trap (UV lights adjacent to a white sheet; some sites bucket traps with 12V UV light) 10 trap nights; 1 trap per site per night None. D. Holden pers. comm. 2016
2016,
April - August
Southern interior of BC Light trap (UV lights adjacent to a white sheet; some sites bucket traps with 12V UV light) At least ten trap nights None. D. Holden pers. comm. 2016
2016,
August 24 - 27 (three nights)
Kaslo area; 6 sites on sandy habitats at the lakeshore from Kaslo to the north shore of Kootenay Lake Light trap (UV lights adjacent to a white sheet; some sites bucket traps with 12V UV light) 16 trap nights; moved traps around at these sites over multiple nights None. J. Heron and C. Dawson (fieldwork in preparation of this status report)
2016,
July 19 - 27
Kelowna area; 6 sites on sandy habitats Light trap (UV lights adjacent to a white sheet; some sites bucket traps with 12V UV light) 16 trap nights; moved traps around at these sites over multiple nights None. C. Dawson (fieldwork in preparation of this status report)
2016,
August 17
Lillooet; 16 sites in sparsely vegetated habitat including the Cayoosh Campground river bank Light trap (UV lights adjacent to a white sheet; bucket trap nearby with 12V UV light) 1 trap for three hours at sandy river bank; 16 trap nights (minimum) None. J. Heron and D. Holden (fieldwork in preparation of this status report); and D. Holden (pers. data)
2016,
May 27 - September 3
Osoyoos area; 19 sites within sandy habitats from Osoyoos to Kaleden in the south Okanagan Light trap (UV lights adjacent to a white sheet; and/or bucket traps with 12V UV light) 29 trap nights; moved traps around at these sites over multiple nights None. J. Heron, D. Holden and C. Dawson (fieldwork in preparation of this status report); and D. Holden (pers. data)
Total blank cell blank cell 131 trap nights None. blank cell

Table 2 summarizes moth search effort from 2000 - 2016 within the range and appropriate habitats for the Columbia Dune Moth. Figure 14 shows search sites for moths in BC over the past 50 years (1967 - 2016). Datasets from the University of British Columbia, Royal British Columbia Museum, the personal collections of Jim Troubridge and David Holden, as well as search effort in preparation for this status report (Table 2) were compiled. Each point on the map depicts at least one night of search effort (ultraviolet or mercury light trap) at a general locality. For ease of display, localities with multiple trapping were reduced to one point on the map. From this dataset, at least 3000 nights of moth trapping have occurred during this time period (note these datasets are not completely digitized, information used was data available and digitized). The assumption is if Copablepharon was present at a surveyed site, it would have been captured. However, not all available habitat for the Columbia Dune Moth has been surveyed. While the moth has two peak flight periods, it has also been caught throughout the summer months (May - September; Figure 15) suggesting it may remain present in low numbers during non-peak activity periods.

Extensive moth trapping by moth experts in the late 1990s and early 2000s in southern BC and northern WA did not record the Columbia Dune Moth (Crabo pers. comm. 2016; Holden pers. comm. 2016; Pohl pers. comm. 2016; Schmidt pers. comm. 2016) (Figure 14).

There is no aboriginal traditional knowledge on observations, habitat information or records specifically for Columbia Dune Moth.

Habitat

Habitat requirements

Columbia Dune Moth is a habitat specialist associated with larger sandy openings and arid habitats (Lafontaine 2004), including Sagebrush steppe and dunes (Fauske 1992) and low elevation sandy Antelope-brush habitats.

More specific habitat requirements, including larval host plant(s) and substrate use, are difficult to determine because historical sampling records have insufficient information to determine specific sites or habitat types (see Search Effort). Information on habitat requirements are mainly from collections by Crumb. Crumb (1956) collected thirty-five Columbia Dune Moth larvae on August 7, 1940 from a site one mile west of Vantage, WA. The larvae were collected from beneath an unidentified sand-verbena species (Abronia sp.), an unidentified grass, and a trailing legume (Crumb 1956). It is noteworthy that the related Sand-verbena Moth (C. fuscum) relies on Yellow Sand-verbena (Abronia latifolia) as its sole larval host plant. The sand-verbena species under which the Columbia Dune Mothlarvae were found by Crumb (1956) is unknown, but it could be White Sand-verbena (Abronia mellifera), which occurs in the arid interior of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. However, there are no known sand-verbena species in the interior of BC which suggests that the Columbia Dune Moth’s distribution is not associated with White Sand-verbena. The closest recorded locality for White Sand-verbena in Washington State is at Lions Ferry (collected May 20, 1923), which is 270 km south of Grand Forks, BC (CPNH 2016).

Other Copablepharon species (Pale Yellow Dune Moth [Copablepharon grandis], Dusky Dune Moth [Copablepharon longipenne] and Copablepharon viridisparsa [no English common name]) found in arid, sandy environments in western Canada do not appear to require specific host plants, but likely require unvegetated sand for egg laying (COSEWIC 2007a,b). The similar association of the Columbia Dune Mothwith a broad range of plant communities in dry, sandy habitats suggests that open sand may be a more important habitat requirement than a specific host plant or plants (Crabo pers. comm. 2016). Crabo (pers. comm. 2016) summarized this succinctly: “Columbia Dune Moth is common in any habitat with sand substrate”. More detailed information on substrate characteristics in sites in which the Columbia Dune Moth has been captured is not available.

The historical records of the Columbia Dune Mothfrom Lillooet and Osoyoos occur in the warmest and most arid environments in Canada; these sites are part of the Bunchgrass Biogeoclimatic Zone (Lloyd et al. 1990; Meidinger and Pojar 1991).

Lillooet habitat:

The Lillooet habitat is within the Thompson Very Dry Hot Bunchgrass Variant (BGxh2), an ecological and vegetation unit found along the valley bottoms of the Fraser and Thompson rivers. Valley bottom sites are more likely to have sandy substrates because of the long-term sediment transport, including areas of accretion and erosion, by the Fraser River. Wind-deposited sand occurs in the Lillooet area (see Figures 4 - 6). Sand Dropseed Grass (Sporobolus cryptandrus), Needle-and-thread Grass (Hesperostipa comata), and Indian Rice Grass (Achnatherum hymenoides) are dominant plants on sandy, non-forested sites. Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa), Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) and Sandberg’s Bluegrass (Poa secunda) are also likely to occur in these habitats.

Osoyoos habitat:

The Osoyoos area habitat is part of the Okanagan Very Dry Hot Bunchgrass Variant (BGxh1) (Lloyd et al. 1990); it is slightly wetter and warmer than the BGxh2 Variant found in the Lillooet area. These habitats include dry, sandy non-forested habitats within the valley bottom with an open shrub layer composed of Antelope-brush, Rabbit-brush (Ericameria nauseosa), and Big Sagebrush. The graminoid and herb layers are variable but often include Bluebunch Wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), Needle-and-thread Grass, and the invasive Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) on sandy sites. Twisted Moss (Tortula ruralis), a desiccation-tolerant moss, may colonize stable sandy substrates.

Kaslo habitat:

The Kaslo habitat is along the west side of Kootenay Lake and is in a much cooler and wetter environment than that the Lillooet or Osoyoos localities. The capture site is assumed to have been in sandy habitats along the lake margin. Plant communities in this variant are predominantly forested and a description of early successional or sparsely vegetated habitats during the time which the Columbia Dune Moth was collected (in 1926) is not available. Prior to the installation of the Corra Linn Dam in 1932, the sandy areas along the lakeshore were probably more abundant and maintained by lake flooding. This area is part of the West Kootenay Dry Warm Interior Cedar Hemlock Variant (ICHdw1). At the north end of Kootenay Lake there is some sandy habitat that may be suitable for the moth. The area of this habitat is, at most, 1 km2 and sampling was completed in 2016 with null results for the Columbia Dune Moth.

Habitat trends

Without more information on the Columbia Dune Moth’s habitat requirements and the locality of historical capture sites, it is difficult to assess habitat trends. However, the loss or modification of natural vegetation in valley bottom habitats in the Lillooet, Osoyoos, and Kaslo areas, particularly for agricultural or residential development, is extensive and continuing. Increased domestic livestock grazing and reduced fire frequency in the arid, non-forested habitats around Lillooet and Osoyoos may also result in changes to plant community composition and possible loss of, or change to, sandy habitats.

In the south Okanagan Valley around Osoyoos, Antelope-brush plant communities on the warmest and driest valley bottom sites have declined rapidly in the last 150 years (Schluter et al. 1995; Lea 2001). Sandy, arid habitats are threatened primarily by urban and agricultural development, particularly vineyards and golf courses (Schluter et al. 1995; Dyer and Lea 2003). Many remaining sites have been disturbed by intensive cattle grazing. Not all historical records of the Columbia Dune Moth are associated with Antelope-brush plant communities. However, a subset of Antelope-brush plant communities grow on very sandy substrate, which is the likely habitat for the Columbia Dune Moth. Dyer and Lea (2003) estimated that the Antelope-brush/Needle-and-thread community declined from 10,050 ha in 1860 to 3,900 ha in 2001. The rate of Antelope-brush habitat loss has increased over the last few years and is now over 2% per year (Dyer and Lea 2003). Iverson (2012) produced a more recent status report on the Antelope-brush plant communities that updated this information.

Habitat change to the eastern portion of the town of Osoyoos and eastern shore of Osoyoos Lake is shown in aerial photographs from 1931 and 2001 (Figure 12) and 2016 (Figure 13). These comparative photographs highlight the loss of habitat from urbanization and agricultural development. The Osoyoos Indian Reserve contains a large proportion of the undeveloped valley bottom habitat (approximately 6 km2) in the south Okanagan Valley; however, recent development on the southern edge of the reserve may have affected sandy habitats in which the Columbia Dune Mothcould occur (see Figure 13).

Loss of habitat in the Kaslo region has probably occurred as a result of the construction of the Corra Linn Dam, which opened in 1932. Prior to dam construction, lake levels fluctuated considerably and this may have provided the sandy conditions required by the species. Land around the lake is no longer subject to seasonal flooding and has been diked.

Habitat loss or change has not been assessed in habitats or plant communities around Lillooet or, with the exception of the above comments on dam impacts, for Kaslo.

Figure 13. Landscape-scale changes to habitats around Osoyoos as of 2016. Key features are marked: (A) areas of open sand in Osoyoos Indian Reserve (not sampled in 2004 - 2006 or 2016); (B) area of open sand along point that is now completely developed; (C) trap site in 2005 and 2006 along highway margin (no Columbia Dune Moth captured in three trap nights but one Copablepharon spiritum in 2006); (D) extensive urban development in the past 60 years; (E) new vineyard development in the past ten years; (F) extensive agricultural activity in the past 60 years; and (G) new development area (golf course, hotel and visitor centre).
Landscape-scale  changes to habitats around Osoyoos as of 2016
Photo: © Orthophoto from GoogleEarth
Long description for Figure 13

XXXX Missing Long Description XXXX

Figure 14. Search sites for moths in BC. The black dots (filled in) represent moth collections in the general vicinity (1967-1999); green dots are moth traps/trapping from 2000 - 2015; and black rings are 2016 trapping.
Search  sites for moths in BC.
Long description for Figure 14

Map showing search sites for moths in British Columbia. Symbols indicate moth collections from approximately 1967 to 1999, moth trapping between 2000 and 2015; and moth trapping in 2016.

Figure 15. Estimated flight season of the Columbia Dune Moth based on all known museum records (Canada and United States).
Estimated  flight season of the Columbia Dune Moth based on all known museum records
Long description for Figure 15

Chart illustrating the estimated flight season of the Columbia Dune Moth based on all known museum records in Canada and the United States.

Biology

The biology of the Columbia Dune Moth is poorly known. It was not captured during the 2004 - 2006 sampling program, which targeted sites near two of the three historical localities. Limited information on the biology of the Columbia Dune Moth is found in Crumb (1956), Fauske (1992), and Lafontaine (2004).

Life cycle and reproduction

Sampling records indicate that the Columbia Dune Moth is likely bivoltine in much of its global range; adults fly from late April to early June and again from late July to early October (Figure 15). Records from Lillooet and Osoyoos are from late August while the Kaslo record is from the third week in May (Figure 15). Its lifespan likely varies from 4-8 months depending upon the generation.

Limited observations indicate that the larvae of the Columbia Dune Moth spend a portion of their life below-ground (Crumb 1956). They may feed on the roots of plants or may feed above-ground nocturnally like Sand-verbena Moth (COSEWIC 2003). Larvae collected in early August overwintered as early instar larvae, completed development the following spring and summer, and underwent a one-month pupal stage (Crumb 1956). This is similar to observations of the lifecycle of the closely related Sand-verbena Moth (COSEWIC 2003).

Physiology and adaptability

There is no specific information on the physiology or adaptability of the Columbia Dune Moth. The species is considered a habitat specialist associated with arid, sandy habitats. It has been collected from within the hot and arid climates of Lillooet and Osoyoos, and the hot, dry regions of Washington and Oregon States.

Columbia Dune Moth appears to be bivoltine (Figure 15), which suggests it avoids the hottest part of the summer. The larvae likely seek refuge and overwinter in the sand, although conditions of dormancy or other overwintering strategies are unknown. It is not known how seasonal temperature changes affect adult flight periods, mating, and larvae survival.

Dispersal and migration

The dispersal abilities of the Columbia Dune Mothor any other Copablepharon species have not been measured. Observations of the Sand-verbena Moth and Dusky Dune Moth indicate they are strong fliers. Local dispersal (0.1 - 2.5 km) is likely frequent but landscape-level dispersal >5 km) is considered unlikely or very infrequent.There is no information that suggests the Columbia Dune Mothis migratory. Records from three widely separated localities, across three different time periods, would suggest this species has reproduced in Canada, and possibly continues to do so, yet remains undetected.

Interspecific interactions

There have been no observations of predation on or parasitism of the Columbia Dune Moth. Nor is there information on inter-specific interactions that may reduce survival of the Columbia Dune Moth.

During fieldwork to sample Dusky Dune Moth,Pale Yellow Dune Moth and C. viridisparsa in 2004 and 2005, predation of adult moths by birds was observed frequently (Page pers. comm. 2016). Small birds, such as sparrows, appeared to actively search for moths hiding in the shrub and forb vegetation along the margins of active dunes. Common Nighthawks (Chordeiles minor) were also observed feeding on aerial insects above sand dunes in Saskatchewan during 2004 and 2005 (Page pers. comm. 2016). It is also likely that small mammals such as bats or rodents, other invertebrates such as beetles or parasitic flies, prey on or parasitize adult moths, pupae, larvae, and eggs.

Its occurrence in a range of arid, sandy plant communities in BC, Washington, and Oregon suggests that the Columbia Dune Moth is not limited to a single host plant or plants for adult nectaring, reproduction (e.g., ovipositing), or larval feeding (Crabo pers. comm. 2016).

Population sizes and trends

Sampling effort and methods

Copablepharon moths are readily captured nocturnally in black/ultraviolet and mercury light-traps within suitable habitats during the flight season. For the Columbia Dune Moth, there are too few specimens and little information from which to directly estimate population size or trends. Trend information can be inferred from trends in habitat loss (see HABITAT TRENDS AND THREATS).

Abundance

There is no information to estimate the abundance of the Columbia Dune Moth in Canada. However, both Lafontaine (2004) and Crabo (pers. comm. 2016) note the moths are often present in abundance at sites where they occur.

However, surveys to verify occurrences since the last record in 1953 have been too infrequent and are insufficient to draw any conclusions about extent of occurrence, population size, threats, or trends.

Fluctuations and trends

There is no quantitative information on population fluctuations and trends for the Columbia Dune Moth in Canada. It is difficult to assess with any degree of certainty the population size, variability, and trends in rare nocturnal insects. The moth is not considered to exhibit population fluctuations (Crabo pers. comm. 2016).

Based on the rate of habitat change in the south Okanagan Valley, it is inferred that the Columbia Dune Mothsubpopulations, if still present in Canada, are possibly declining. However, there is insufficient information to draw conclusions on trends.

Rescue effect

The closest known US population is near Brewster, WA, approximately 106 km south of Osoyoos. The possibility of recolonization over this distance is unlikely, although additional subpopulations could occur within the intervening area. It is often abundantly collected in arid habitats in central Washington (Crabo pers. comm. 2016).

Threats and limiting factors

The threats classification for the Columbia Dune Moth (Copablepharon absidum) in Canada is based on the IUCN-CMP (World Conservation Union-Conservation Measures Partnership) unified threats classification system (Salafsky et al. 2008; Master et al. 2012). There is little information on specific threats to the Columbia Dune Moth and most threats are based on habitat trend information known for the Osoyoos, Lillooet and Kaslo areas as well as information from the population in the United States.

The cumulative loss, degradation, and fragmentation of the open and sandy Sagebrush and Antelope-brush plant communities are the primary threats to the Columbia Dune Moth in the Osoyoos area. This includes ongoing and cumulative threats from both conversion of natural areas to agriculture (particularly vineyards), more intensive agricultural use of those areas, urban and commercial development, the spread and continued introduction of invasive non-native plants, the alteration to fire regimes and overgrazing from domestic livestock (Iverson 2012).

Most threats to this moth in BC are unknown, with the exception of one with a medium threat impact (2.1 Annual and perennial non-timber crops), which results in an overall province-wide threat impact of Medium (Table 3).

Details are discussed below under the IUCN-CMP (World Conservation Union-Conservation Measures Partnership) unified threats classification system headings and numbering scheme. For greater detail on unknown threat impacts see Table 3.

Table 3. The threat classification below is based on the IUCN-CMP (World Conservation Union-Conservation Measures Partnership) unified threats classification system. For information on how the values are assigned, see Master et al. (2012). Overall threats impact for the Columbia Dune Moth was assessed as Medium

Species or ecosystem scientific name:
Columbia Dune Moth ( Copablepharon absidum)
Date:
2016-05-09
Assessor(s):
Jennifer Heron (report author), Paul Grant (Arthropods SSC Co-chair), Rob Cannings and Chris Schmidt (SSC Members), Dave Fraser (COSEWIC Member for BC) and Angèle Cyr (Secretariat).
Overall threat impact calculation help:
Threat impact Threat impact (descriptions) Level 1 Threat impact counts:
high range
Level 1 Threat impact counts:
low range
A Very high 0 0
B High 0 0
C Medium 1 1
D Low 0 0
- Calculated overall threat impact: Medium Medium
Threat table
Threat Threat description Impact (calculated) Impact description (calculated) Scope (next 10 Yrs) Scope (next 10 Yrs) Severity (10 Yrs or 3 Gen.) Timing Comments
1 Residential & commercial develop blank cell Unknown Unknown Unknown Extreme (71-100%) High (Continuing)  
1.1 Housing & urban areas blank cell Unknown Unknown Unknown Extreme (71-100%) High (Continuing) The Town of Osoyoos has applied to the provincial government (Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Penticton) to purchase/acquire a large parcel of property (approximately 350 hectares) for future town expansion and urban development. This property includes Sagebrush and Antelope-brush ecosystems and extensive sand ecosystems throughout the property. Although the moth has not been recorded from this property, there is abundant potential habitat. Housing and urban areas (1.1); Commercial and industrial areas (1.2) and Tourism and recreation areas (1.3) are all considered threats to Columbia Dune Moth habitat within the Osoyoos (and southern Okanagan) valley bottom habitats. Human population growth and increasing land development is ongoing throughout the south Okanagan with the sandy Antelope-brush and Sagebrush ecosystems within the valley bottom being the areas with the highest probability of development. The human population of the Okanagan Valley has tripled every 30 to 40 years since 1940 (Jensen and Epp 2002) and is projected to increase in the next two decades (Hobson and Associates 2006). This threat is less applicable within the Kaslo area and not applicable within the Lillooet area
1.2 Commercial & industrial areas blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Same as 1.1.
1.3 Tourism & recreation areas blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Same as 1.1.
2 Agriculture & aquaculture C Medium Medium Restricted (11-30%) Extreme (71-100%) High (Continuing)  
2.1 Annual & perennial non-timber crops C Medium Medium Restricted (11-30%) Extreme (71-100%) High (Continuing) Vineyard development and expansion are a major threat to Antelope-brush habitats (Iverson 2012). The Antelope-Brush / Needle-and-Thread Grass plant community is rapidly being converted to vineyards because the ecological community is considered an indicator for high grape crop production and is targeted by the wine industry for development (Dyer pers. comm. 2014; COSEWIC 2012). Much of the remaining Antelope-brush habitat near Vaseux Lake, Osoyoos and Oliver is suitable for vineyards, orchards, or other agricultural development.
2.2 Wood & pulp plantations blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Not applicable.
2.3 Livestock farming & ranching blank cell Unknown Unknown Restricted (11-30%) Unknown High (Continuing) Livestock overgrazing of sandy grasslands is considered a possible threat to the Columbia Dune Moth. Overgrazing likely impacts sandy habitats and ecosystems through soil compaction, reducing larval host plant abundance and directly kills larvae feeding on the plant, and eggs and pupae resting in and around host plants. Conversely, light grazing may keep the sandy environments open. Livestock grazing is practised widely throughout the private and crown Sagebrush and Antelope-brush grassland ecosystems of the south Okanagan. The sites at Lillooet and Kaslo do not likely have high or intensive livestock grazing and this threat is considered negligible within these areas.
2.4 Marine & freshwater aquaculture blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Not applicable.
3 Energy production & mining blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell  
3.1 Oil & gas drilling blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Not applicable.
3.2 Mining & quarrying blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Not applicable.
3.3 Renewable energy blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Not applicable.
4 Transportation & service corridors blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell
4.1 Roads & railroads blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Construction of roads and railroads (4.1) has the potential to destroy or fragment habitat upon which Columbia Dune Moth depends.
4.2 Utility & service lines blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell The construction of utility and service lines (4.2) is less applicable because ongoing maintenance to clear shrub and tree vegetation from these utility lines may also keep the habitat open and sandy substrate available for Columbia Dune Moth recolonization from adjacent habitats.
4.3 Shipping lanes blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Not applicable.
4.4 Flight paths blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Not applicable.
5 Biological resource use blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell
5.1 Hunting & collecting terrestrial animals blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Not applicable.
5.2 Gathering terrestrial plants blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Not applicable.
5.3 Logging & wood harvesting blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Not applicable.
5.4 Fishing & harvesting aquatic resources blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Not applicable.
6 Human intrusions & disturbance blank cell Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown High (Continuing) blank cell
6.1 Recreational activities blank cell Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown High (Continuing) All-terrain vehicle use is prevalent throughout the open, sandy habitats within all three areas where Columbia Dune Moth may occur. Intensive recreation, including all-terrain vehicle riding or off-road vehicle use, is considered a threat to Columbia Dune Moth because it destroys vegetation and disturbs sandy habitat (see example in Figure 5). It may also help prevent succession.
6.2 War, civil unrest & military exercises blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Not applicable.
6.3 Work & other activities blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Not applicable.
7 Natural system modifications blank cell Unknown Unknown Restricted (11-30%) Unknown High (Continuing) blank cell
7.1 Fire & fire suppression blank cell Unknown Unknown Restricted (11-30%) Unknown High (Continuing) Fire suppression is scored for this threat. Fire suppression activities have altered the natural fire regime within all three areas where Columbia Dune Moth is recorded. In particular, the Okanagan Valley has increased in fire intensity and severity (Iverson 212). Frequent, low-intensity wildfires were likely once more common throughout the low elevation habitats of the Okanagan and Lillooet areas. Fires were likely ignited by First Nations peoples to improve root crops, and by lightning (Iverson 2012; Cannings and Durance 1998). Fire suppression has resulted in a buildup of fuels on the ground, and resulted in more intense fires, rather than less intense patchy fires that leave some Antelope-brush plant community patches intact. Reduced wildfire leads to tree encroachment, which reduces the size and extent of open sandy dune substrates, due to shading and competition. Wildfire is considered part of the natural ecosystem processes of the southern interior grassland ecosystems. However, wildfire suppression programs have been in place, particularly within the three known historical sites of Osoyoos, Lillooet and Kaslo.
7.2 Dams & water management/use blank cell Unknown blank cell Unknown blank cell Dam construction has resulted in substantial habitat change around Kootenay Lake, where Kaslo is located. Reduced variance in lake levels and subsequent conversion to agriculture is likely to have reduced sandy habitat in the area. This is considered a historical threat. Today, water levels are highly managed in Kootenay Lake, and riparian areas are periodically flooded and this may impact any remaining Columbia Dune Moth subpopulations within these habitats. blank cell
7.3 Other ecosystem modifications blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Not applicable. blank cell
8 Invasive & other problematic species & genes blank cell Unknown Pervasive - Restricted (11-100%) Unknown High (Continuing) blank cell blank cell
8.1 Invasive non-native/alien species blank cell Unknown Restricted (11-30%) Unknown High (Continuing) Many non-native plant species occur throughout the grassland ecosystems and open sandy habitats where Columbia Dune Moth could occur. Non-native species such as Dalmatian Toadflax (Linaria dalmatica), Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), Sulphur Cinquefoil (Potentilla recta) and Diffuse Knapweed (Centaurea diffusa) occur in most grassland habitats throughout the range of Columbia Dune Moth. Some appear to have little impact on, for example, Antelope-brush ecosystems (Symonds 2011). These invasive plants can invade open sandy habitats, stabilizing these areas and reducing the habitat for Columbia Dune Moth and out-competing potential larval host plants. For example, Sulphur Cinquefoil can form monospecific stands (SIRT 2008). Parasitoid tachinid flies such as Compsilura concinnata (Tachinidae) introduced into eastern North America as biological control agents for European Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar) may impact moth populations. blank cell
8.2 Problematic native species blank cell Unknown Pervasive (71-100%) Unknown High (Continuing) Potential ingrowth of native conifers and shrubs due to natural succession blank cell
8.3 Introduced genetic material blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Not applicable. blank cell
9 Pollution blank cell Unknown Restricted (11-30%) Unknown High (Continuing) blank cell blank cell
9.1 Household sewage & urban waste water blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Not applicable. blank cell
9.2 Industrial & military effluents blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Not applicable. blank cell
9.3 Agricultural & forestry effluents blank cell Unknown Restricted (11-30%) Unknown High (Continuing) This threat predominantly applies to small sandy habitats throughout the southern Okanagan and Osoyoos area, where agricultural effluents are routinely applied to agricultural areas. Pesticide drift is a potential threat to larvae and adults and herbicides could potentially impact the larval host plant as well. blank cell
9.4 Garbage & solid waste blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Not applicable. blank cell
9.5 Air-borne pollutants blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Not applicable. blank cell
9.6 Excess energy blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Not applicable. blank cell
10 Geological events blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell
10.1 Volcanoes blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Not applicable. blank cell
10.2 Earthquakes/tsunamis blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Not applicable. blank cell
10.3 Avalanches/landslides blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Not applicable. blank cell
11 Climate change & severe weather blank cell Unknown Pervasive (71-100%) Unknown High (Continuing) blank cell blank cell
11.1 Habitat shifting & alteration blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Potentially applicable. blank cell
11.2 Droughts blank cell Unknown Pervasive (71-100%) Unknown High (Continuing) Climate change is a potential but poorly understood threat to Columbia Dune Moth at all three historical areas. Climate change, particularly an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme and periodic climatic events such as droughts, could be a long-term threat to Columbia Dune Moth. There is likely an intrinsic ability for this species to tolerate hot and arid conditions; however, if the duration of drought is longer, subpopulations could be impacted. Prolonged summer drought could result in premature senescence of larval host plants, or may change rain patterns during the larval period, potentially reducing juvenile survival blank cell
11.3 Temperature extremes blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell blank cell Not applicable. blank cell
11.4 Storms & flooding blank cell Unknown Pervasive (71-100%) Unknown High (Continuing) The frequency and intensity of severe weather events increases due to climate change. Small, isolated subpopulations of Columbia Dune Moth may be vulnerable to stochastic events such as hailstorms, severe frost and shoreline flooding (particularly within the Lillooet area). The Kaslo site is less likely to experience severe flooding, particularly if the habitats and water levels are controlled with the water levels of the Corra Linn Dam. Wet winters versus cold and dry winters may not be good for this species. blank cell

Agriculture and aquaculture (medium impact) (Threat 2)

Annual and perennial non-timber crops (medium impact) ( Threat 2.1)

Vineyard development and expansion are a major threat to Antelope-brush habitats (Iverson 2012). The Antelope-brush / Needle-and-thread grass plant community is rapidly being converted to vineyards because the ecological community is considered an indicator for high grape crop production and is targeted by the wine industry for development (COSEWIC 2012; Dyer pers. comm. 2016). Historically, the conversion of habitat to vineyards and other agricultural use (see Habitat Trends) has likely been a contributing factor to the fragmentation of Columbia Dune Moth subpopulations.

Limiting factors

Populations of the Columbia Dune Mothare likely spatially isolated and may be at risk of demographic collapse, which may exacerbate other threats. Columbia Dune Moth may also have limited dispersal capabilities.

Number of locations

Three locations are proposed for the Columbia Dune Moth in Canada based on the three widely separate and isolated areas where there are historical records: 1) Lillooet; 2) Kaslo; and 3) Osoyoos. Each of these locations has differing threats and land management which result in cumulative loss, degradation, and fragmentation of the open and sandy habitats such as Sagebrush and Antelope-brush plant communities.

Protection, status and ranks

Legal protection and status

Columbia Dune Moth is not currently protected under provincial or federal legislation.

Non-legal status and ranks

The conservation status ranks for the columbia dune moth (natureserve 2016)
Status Information
Global Status: GNR (Not Yet Ranked).
Canada National Status: NNR (Not Yet Ranked).
BC provincial status: SH (Historical).
United States Washington SNR (Status Not Ranked), Oregon SNR, Idaho SNR.

Habitat protection and ownership

It is not known if any subpopulations occur within provincially or federally protected lands. Without more specific information on historical capture localities, it is not possible to determine their protection and ownership status (Table 4).

Table 4. Land ownership and protection status for the historical Canadian population of the Columbia Dune Moth
Population Land Ownership and Protection Status
Osoyoos, BC Recent presence unconfirmed; exact locality unknown; may occur on private land, Osoyoos Indian Reserve, or some publicly owned conservation lands.
Kaslo, BC Recent presence unconfirmed; exact locality unknown; likely occurred on private land.
Lillooet, BC Recent presence unconfirmed; exact locality unknown; likely occurred on private land.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to the British Columbia Ministry of Environment for providing time and resources to complete this report. The following people provided valuable information, advice, and knowledge from their experiences in the field: Cara Dawson, Patrice Bouchard, Hume Douglas, Greg Pohl, Gary Anweiler, David Holden, Chris Schmidt, Kirk Safford, Dennis St. John, Orville Dyer, Bryn White, Sara Bunge, Mark Weston, Brenda Costanzo, Jean François-Landry and Dave Fraser. Thank you to Ann Potter (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife) for information about Columbia Dune Moth in Washington State. Thank you to Jim Troubridge (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada), Gerald Fauske (North Dakota State University), and Lars Crabo (Bellingham, Washington State) for field advice and information. Thank you to Claudia Copley (Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria) and Karen Needham (Spencer Entomological Collection at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, University of British Columbia) for access to specimens. Thank you to Paul Grant (Arthropods SSC Co-chair), Angèle Cyr (COSEWIC Secretariat) and the COSEWIC Arthropods SSC for advice and review comments.

The cover photograph is by Jocelyn Gill: specimens collected at Osoyoos, BC, in 1953 and housed at Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Ottawa, ON.

Authorities contacted

Anweiler, Gary. Lepidopterist, Edmonton, AB.
Bunge, Sarah. BC Parks and Protected Areas, Ministry of Environment, Penticton, BC.
Copley, Claudia. Senior Entomology Collections Manager. Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria, BC.
Crabo, Lars. Entomologist, Bellingham, Washington.
Dyer, Orville. Species At Risk Biologist, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Penticton, BC.
Ebata, Tim. Forest Health Office, BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Victoria, BC.
Fauske, Gerald. Research Specialist, North Dakota University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA.
Fraser, David. Unit Head, Species At Risk Conservation Unit, Ecosystems Branch, BC Ministry of Environment, Victoria, BC.
Furness, Grant. Ecosystems Section Head, BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Penticton, BC.
Goulet, Gloria (retired). Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge Subcommittee of COSEWIC, Environment Canada, Ottawa, ON.
Guppy, Crispin. Lepidopterist, Whitehorse, Yukon.
Harrison, Megan. Species at risk biologist. Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada, Delta, BC.
Holden, David. Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Burnaby, BC.
Lafontaine, Don. Research Scientist, Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, ON.
Needham, Karen. Entomology Collections Manager. Spencer Entomology Collection at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC.
Page, Nick. Raincoast Applied Ecology, Vancouver, BC.
Pohl, Greg. Canadian Forest Service, Northern Forestry Centre, Edmonton, AB.
Potter, Ann. United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Olympia, Washington, USA.
Safford, Kirk. Conservation Specialist, BC Parks and Protected Areas, Penticton, BC.
Schmidt, Chris. Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, ON.
Troubridge, Jim. Manager (retired), Insect Collection, Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, ON.
Weston, Mark. British Columbia Parks and Protected Areas, Ministry of Environment, Penticton, BC.
White, Bryn. South Okanagan-Similkameen Conservation Program, Penticton, BC.

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Bunge, S., pers. comm. 2016. Personal Communication to J. Heron.British Columbia Parks and Protected Areas, Ministry of Environment, Penticton, British Columbia.

Cannings, R.J. and E. Durance. 1998. Human use of natural resources in the South Okanagan and Lower Similkameen valleys in Smith, I.M., and G.G.E. Scudder, eds. Assessment of species diversity in the Montane Cordillera Ecozone. Burlington: Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network.

COSEWIC. 2003. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Sand-verbena Moth Copablepharon fuscum in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vii + 39 pp.

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Dyer, O., pers. comm. 2016. Personal Communication to J. Heron. Species At Risk Biologist, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Penticton, British Columbia.

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Holden, D., pers. comm. 2016. Personal Communication to J. Heron. Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Burnaby, British Columbia.

Iverson, K. 2012. Ecosystem Status Report for Purshia tridentata / Hesperostipa comata (Antelope-brush / Needle-and-thread grass) in British Columbia. Prepared for: British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Conservation Data Centre, Victoria, British Columbia 35 pp.

Hobson and Associates. 2006. Environmental Issues and Options for the South Okanagan Regional Growth Strategy. Vol 1: Background. 119 pp. Web site: http://www.rdosmaps.bc.ca/min_bylaws/planning/rgs/ReportsAndStudies/RGSVol1E nvIssuesOptionFinal06.pdf [accessed December 2016]

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Iverson, K., A. Haney, and M. Sarell. 2005. Updated Antelope-brush mapping for the south Okanagan valley. Funding provided by Parks Canada Agency, Canadian Wildlife Service, British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection and the Osoyoos Indian Band. Internal report with British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Penticton. 19 pp.

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Salafsky, N., D. Salzer, A.J. Stattersfield, C. Hilton-Taylor, R. Neugarten, S.H.M. Butchart, B. Collen, N. Cox, L.L. Master, S. O’Connor, and D. Wilkie. 2008. A standard lexicon for biodiversity conservation: unified classifications of threats and actions. Conservation Biology 22:897-911.

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Biographical summary of report writers

Jennifer Heron is the provincial invertebrate conservation specialist with the BC 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. Recent interests include the conservation of native pollinators and thermal spring’s invertebrates.

Nick Page is a professional biologist who works on the assessment and conservation of species, ecosystems, and landscapes in coastal BC. His project work includes watershed planning, plant community ecology, and studies of rare invertebrates. He completed a Master of Science degree on exotic plant invasion in beach vegetation at the Institute for Resources, Environment, and Sustainability at the University of British Columbia in 2003. His species at risk work has focused on rare invertebrates including Sand-verbena Moth, Edward’s Beach Moth, Pale Yellow Dune Moth, Taylor’s Checkerspot, and Dun Skipper, as well as rare plants in coastal sand ecosystems such as Yellow Sand-verbena, Silky Beach Pea, and Contorted-pod Evening-primrose. He started Raincoast Applied Ecology in 2003.

Collections examined

Canadian National Collection (CNC) of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes (contact: Jim Troubridge [2006] and Chris Schmidt [2016])

George J. Spencer Entomological Collection, Beaty Biodiversity Museum at the University of British Columbia (Contact: Karen Needham [2016]).

Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria, BC (RBCM) (contact: Claudia Copley [2016]).

Private collection of David Holden, Coquitlam, BC (contact: David Holden [2016]).

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