User:Chicken JV 12/Casey's June beetle

Casey's June beetle, Dinacoma caseyi, is a beetle in the scarab family (Scarabaeidae). It is listed as an endangered species with approximately 587 acres (237 hectares) of land as critical habitat in Riverside County, California. '''Their habitation range is limited to Palm Canyon Walsh and Tahquitz Creek in Palm Springs. '''

The Casey's June beetle was first collected in the city of Palm Springs, California, in 1916, and was later described by based on male specimens. This species measures 0.55 to 0.71 in long, with dusty brown or whitish coloring, and brown and cream longitudinal stripes on the elytra (wing covers and back). The organism is also characterized by its "leaf-like plates" on its antenna which allow this species to detect scents in its habitat (Natural History).

Based on surveys conducted to assess the species' presence, both male and female Casey's June beetles emerge from burrows in the alluvial sand sometime between late March and early June, with population peaks generally occurring in April and May.

Although visual surveys have detected a concentration of emergence burrows in the vicinity of a number of species of woody shrub in Palm Canyon Wash, this may be due to low soil disturbance by vehicles, foot traffic, and horses near woody vegetation.

Recovery Efforts
'''Since September 22, 2011 the species has been listed as endangered, however, efforts within the city of Palm Springs, California, have been made in order to help conserve the species and prevent its extinction. According to the recovery plans from the U.S Fish & Wildlife Service, the biggest threat to the species has been the drastic change to their habitat. Significant threats to Casey’s June beetle include urban development, off-road vehicles, and lighting deriving from urban structures and vehicles. Urban development has negative effects on Casey’s June beetle because it reduces inhabitable areas the beetle can occupy, contributes to pesticide and fertilizer run-off, and light pollution that results in increased deaths of the June beetle. Despite changes within the habitat, the organism is also a food source to birds within the Riverside County (U.S Fish & Wildlife Service). A significant amount of the species population is located within Smoke Tree Ranch, a historic property within Palm Springs. This property provides the vegetation and soil necessary for the species to survive. The ranch is one of the only ranges within their habitat that has been deemed with permanent protection. Efforts to maintain the species habitat from construction and lack of vegetation continue, yet is something that the U.S Fish & Wildlife Service continue to protect.'''

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