The pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) is a small lagomorph of the western United States that specializes in sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) habitat. Intensive habitat loss and modification have increased the vulnerability of pygmy rabbit populations, but the current geographic distribution and population status remain unclear. To aid in detection and population monitoring, we developed a species identification test that uses mitochondrial DNA species-specific primers to distinguish among six sympatric lagomorph species using DNA isolated from faecal pellets. Applying this test, we successfully identified the species of origin for all pellet samples that produced a positive PCR result (77% of 283 pellets collected). Pellets collected during the winter (December-February) had higher PCR success rate (93%) than pellets collected at other times of the year (72%). This test, using non-invasive genetic sampling of faecal pellets, provides an efficient method for assessing site occupancy and distribution of pygmy rabbits and other lagomorphs across large geographic areas.

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Beetles comprise nearly one quarter of described species and show high levels of morphological and ecological diversification. Because of their wide distribution, ease of detection, and correlation of species richness patterns with other taxa, tiger beetles have been recommended for use as a global indicator of regional biodiversity, requiring accurate taxonomic designations. The Bruneau Dune tiger beetle (Cicindela waynei), whose habitat consists of an isolated dune field in southern Idaho, was recently described as a distinct species from the St. Anthony Dunes tiger beetle (C. arenicola) based on morphological characteristics. While these characteristics include distinct differences in genital morphology that could indicate intrinsic reproductive isolation, morphological characteristics have sometimes been misleading in tiger beetle taxonomy. To evaluate genetic support for this species designation, we analyzed 1,751 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA sequence from 147 tiger beetles collected throughout the range of both C. arenicola and C. waynei. Maximum-likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses indicated monophyly for C. waynei on a well-supported, short branch nested within C. arenicola. Bayesian species delimitation analyses strongly supported C. waynei as a distinct species (speciation probability = 1.0) with the estimated time of divergence ca. 14,500-67,000 years ago. This lack of reciprocal monophyly and recency of speciation is consistent with C. waynei as a member of an evolutionary front where speciation has occurred at a rapid rate. Mitochondrial sequence data supports the species designation of C. waynei, emphasizing the need to determine appropriate management for this species and its restricted habitat.

Table 2. Aquatic Invertebrate Species of Concern habitat associations Scientific Name G-Rank Warm Springs Cold Mtn Springs Steep Forested Streams High Alpine Moderate Gradient Forested Low Gradient Foothills Sand Bars Fast current, cobble substrate Natural Lakes Ponds Wetland Freshwater Beetles Cicindela columbica G2 X Microcylloepus browni G1 X Zaitzevia thermae G1 X Freshwater Sponge Ephydatia cooperensis G1G3 X Caddisflies Agapetus montanus G2 X X Rhyacophila alexanderi G2 X ? Rhyacophila ebria G2G3 X