Dusky dune moth (Copablepharon longipenne) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 13
Technical Summary
Copablepharon longipenne
Dusky Dune Moth
Noctuelle sombre des dunes
Range of Occurrence in Canada: southern Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba
Extent and Area Information
Extent of occurrence (EO) (km2)
164 480 km2 in Canada
(based on distribution records)
Specify trend in EO
Stable
Are there extreme fluctuations in EO?
No
Area of occupancy (AO) (km2)
based upon a 2X2 km grid
48 km2
Specify trend in AO
Probably declining
Are there extreme fluctuations in AO?
No
Number of known or inferred current locations
12 known in Canada; 22 globally
Specify trend in #
Likely declining due to dune stabilization
Are there extreme fluctuations in number of locations?
No
Specify trend in area, extent or quality of habitat
Probably declining at a possible rate of 10-20% per decade
Population Information
Generation time (average age of parents in the population)
1 year
Number of mature individuals
Not known
Total population trend
Probably declining
% decline over the last/next 10 years or 3 generations
Possibly 10-20% decline over 10 yrs based on decline of active sand dunes
Are there extreme fluctuations in number of mature individuals?
Unknown; likely
Is the total population severely fragmented?
Yes; patchy
Specify trend in number of populations
Stable or possible minor decline
Are there extreme fluctuations in number of populations?
No
Threats (actual or imminent threats to populations or habitats)
- Sand dune stabilization
- Demographic collapse (possible threat)
- Land and infrastructure development (possible threat)
- Cattle grazing (possible threat)
- Recreation (possible threat)
Rescue Effect (immigration from an outside source)
Status of outside population(s)?
USA: 10 populations known; likely with similar trends to Canadian populations
Is immigration known or possible?
Unlikely without intervention
Would immigrants be adapted to survive in Canada?
Yes, likely
Is there sufficient habitat for immigrants in Canada?
Yes
Is rescue from outside populations likely?
No
Quantitative Analysis
Not undertaken (insufficient data)
Current Status
COSEWIC: Endangered (November 2007)
Designated as “Special Concern” in State of Wisconsin (note, but not likely present there)
Status and Reasons for Designation
Status: Endangered
Alpha-numeric code: B2ab (ii, iii)
Reasons for Designation: [Note especially if it is a Canadian endemic with 100% of its distribution in Canada] The species is restricted to open, active sand areas that are both fragmented and declining. Although it may be common where found, it occurs in a small proportion of the total seemingly suitable sites and has been lost from historical localities. Dispersal between dune systems is considered to be extremely unlikely. Since the 1940’s, the area of suitable habitat has declined by an estimated 10-20% per decade.
Applicability of Criteria
Criterion A (Declining Total Population):
The total population is likely declining, but we do not have accurate data on numbers.
Criterion B (Small Distribution, and Decline or Fluctuation):
Area of occupancy likely less than 50 km2 and certainly less than 500 km2. Severely fragmented. Decline in area of occupancy and quality of habitat as a result of dune stabilization. The species has only been found in, or immediately adjacent to active dunes and these are extremely restricted areas which are declining in extent. It has not been found in its historic sites in Alberta despite searches for it in recent years.
Criterion C (Small Total Population Size and Decline):
Although the species is severely restricted in its Area of Occupancy, numbers in some sites are moderate.
Criterion D (Very Small Population or Restricted Distribution):
More than 1000 mature individuals are expected to occur.
Criterion E (Quantitative Analysis):
Not applicable.