SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Public Comments

You may submit your comments and materials regarding the taxonomic revisions, identified below in table 1, by one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES . Please include sufficient information with your comments to allow us to verify any scientific or commercial information you include. We will not consider comments sent by email or fax, or to an address not listed in ADDRESSES .

We will post all comments on www.regulations.gov. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal information ( printed page 70014) in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting documentation we use in preparing this direct final rule, will be available for public inspection on the internet at www.regulations.gov. Please note that comments posted to www.regulations.gov are not immediately viewable. When you submit a comment, the system receives it immediately. However, the comment will not be publicly viewable until we post it, which might not occur until several days after submission. Information regarding this rule is available in alternative formats upon request (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT ).

Species-Specific Inquiries and Information

For information pertaining to specific species, please contact our Ecological Services field offices as follows:

Background

The List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants (“the Lists”), set forth in title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at §§ 17.11 and 17.12, respectively, contain the names of endangered species and threatened species federally listed pursuant to the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The regulations at 50 CFR 17.11(c) and 17.12(b) require us to use the most recently accepted scientific name of any wildlife or plant species, respectively, that we have determined to be an endangered or threatened species. As noted in 50 CFR 17.94(a), for species with critical habitat designations, the lists at §§ 17.11 and 17.12 refer to critical habitat designations presented in § 17.95 (fish and wildlife), § 17.96 (plants), and § 17.99 (plants on the Hawaiian Islands). For consistency in the references, the scientific and common names in critical habitat sections need to comport with the scientific and common names in the Lists.

Purpose of Direct Final Rule and Final Action

The purpose of this direct final rule is to notify the public that we are revising the Lists at 50 CFR 17.11(h) and 17.12(h) to reflect scientifically accepted taxonomy and nomenclature for 7 wildlife species and 30 plant species listed under section 4 of the Act. Changes to the Lists include one or both of the following: (1) revisions to certain entries in the scientific name columns to reflect the most recently accepted scientific names in accordance with 50 ( printed page 70015) CFR 17.11(c) and 17.12(b), or (2) revisions to certain entries in the common name columns to better reflect current usage or to improve clarity. In some instances, changes in the Lists necessitate corresponding changes to the names used in 50 CFR 17.95, critical habitat for fish and wildlife, or 50 CFR 17.96, critical habitat for plants.

We are publishing this rule without a prior proposal because this is a noncontroversial action that is in the best interest of the public and should be undertaken in as timely a manner as possible. For the taxonomic and nomenclatural revisions provided below in table 1, this rule will be effective, as published in this document, on the effective date specified in DATES , unless we receive significant adverse comments on or before the comment due date specified in DATES . Significant adverse comments are comments that provide strong justifications as to why this rule should not be adopted for a particular species or why it should be changed to a name different from the one we have used.

If we receive significant adverse comments regarding the taxonomic changes for any of the species included in table 1, below, we will publish a document in the Federal Register withdrawing this rule for the appropriate species before the effective date, and we will publish a proposed rule to initiate promulgation of those changes to 50 CFR 17.11(h) and/or 17.12(h).

In addition, we are notifying the public that we have identified editorial errors in the Lists, and they will be corrected on the effective date of this rule (see DATES , above). The identified errors are provided below in table 2. While you may submit comments by one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES on the corrections provided below in table 2, we consider these corrections purely administrative, and we intend to make these editorial corrections on the effective date of this rule.

None of these changes are regulatory in nature; they are for accuracy and clarity. These revisions do not alter species' protections or status in any way, and this rule does not have a substantive effect on the public. Any actions altering a species' protection or status would require a separate rulemaking action following the procedures of 50 CFR part 424.

Brief Summary of Taxonomic and Nomenclatural Changes

Table 1 provides changes we are making to reflect the scientifically accepted taxonomy and nomenclature of 7 wildlife species and 30 plant species listed under section 4 of the Act. These changes reflect the most recently accepted scientific nomenclature in accordance with 50 CFR 17.11(c) and 17.12(b). We also provide updates to common names to conform with current usage, including the removal of synonyms that, per 50 CFR 17.11(b) and 17.12(c), are no longer needed for clarity.

Summary of Editorial Changes

Per 50 CFR 17.11(f)(2), entries in the “Listing citations and applicable rules” column in 50 CFR 17.11(h), should “contain the volume, document starting page number, and publication date of the Federal Register publication(s) in which a species was given status, listed, or reclassified.” The entries in this column are nonregulatory in nature and are provided for informational and navigational purposes only. For a given species on the Lists, it is helpful to have the citation for the earliest Federal Register publication that addressed the status of that species. We are changing the respective entries in the “Listing citations and applicable rules” column for six species to include “34 FR 5034, 3/8/1969.” The March 8, 1969, Federal Register publication was a notice from the Secretary of the Interior announcing the fish and wildlife species he had determined were threatened with extinction per the Endangered Species Preservation Act of 1966 (80 Stat. 926; 16 U.S.C. 668aa(c)). The list of species maintained under the Endangered Species Preservation Act served as the basis for the list of species maintained under the Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1969. This list, in turn, served as the basis for the list of species maintained under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. This provenance is helpful information, and this information was inadvertently omitted in previous iterations of the Lists. We are adding the citation for the March 8, 1969, Federal Register publication for the six species in table 2.

Description of Taxonomic and Nomenclatural Revisions

Using the best available scientific information, this direct final rule documents taxonomic and nomenclatural changes to 7 entries on the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (50 CFR 17.11(h)) and 30 entries on the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants (50 CFR 17.12(h)). The basis for these taxonomic changes is supported by the best scientific and commercial data available.

Accordingly, we revise the scientific names of five wildlife species under section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) as follows: Stephens' kangaroo rat ( Dipodomys stephensi), Inyo California towhee ( Melozone crissalis eremophila), western snowy plover [Pacific coast DPS] ( Anarhynchus nivosus nivosus), desert slender salamander ( Batrachoseps major aridus), and El Segundo blue butterfly ( Euphilotes allyni). We make these changes to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife to reflect the most recently accepted scientific names in accordance with 50 CFR 17.11(c). Additionally, ( printed page 70017) common name entries for the following two wildlife species are revised to better reflect currently accepted usage: San Bernardino kangaroo rat ( Dipodomys merriami parvus) and arroyo toad ( Anaxyrus californicus).

Similarly, we revise the scientific names of the following 27 plant species under section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) as follows: Acanthomintha duttonii (San Mateo thornmint), Boechera hoffmannii (Hoffmann's rockcress), Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. crassifolia (Del Mar manzanita), Arctostaphylos montana subsp. ravenii (Presidio manzanita), Eremogone ursina (Bear Valley sandwort), Astragalus claranus (Clara Hunt's milk-vetch), Ceanothus ferrisiae (coyote ceanothus), Zeltnera namophila (spring-loving centaury), Chloropyron maritimum subsp. maritimum (salt marsh bird's-beak), Chloropyron molle subsp. molle (soft bird's-beak), Chloropyron palmatum (palmate-bracted bird's-beak), Deinandra conjugens (Otay tarplant), Dudleya parva (Conejo dudleya), Dudleya cymosa subsp. ovatifolia (Santa Monica dudleya), Eriastrum densifolium subsp. sanctorum (Santa Ana River woolly-star), Fremontodendron decumbens (Pine Hill flannelbush), Eriogonum kennedyi var. austromontanum (southern mountain buckwheat), Grindelia fraxinipratensis (Ash Meadows gumplant), Crocanthemum greenei (island rush-rose), Physaria kingii subsp. bernardina (San Bernardino Mountains bladderpod), Opuntia basilaris var. treleasei (Bakersfield cactus), Acanthoscyphus parishii var. goodmaniana (Cushenbury oxytheca), Sedella leiocarpa (Lake County stonecrop), Nasturtium gambelii (Gambel's watercress), Packera layneae (Layne's butterweed), Noccaea fendleri subsp. californica (Kneeland Prairie pennycress), and Hesperocyparis goveniana (Gowen cypress). We make these changes to the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants to reflect the most recently accepted scientific names in accordance with 50 CFR 17.12(b).

Additionally, we revise the common names of the following eight plant species (including four of the above species) to better reflect currently accepted usage: Boechera hoffmannii (Hoffmann's rockcress), Arctostaphylos montana subsp. ravenii (Presidio manzanita), Castilleja cinerea (ash-gray paintbrush), Dudleya cymosa subsp. ovatifolia (Santa Monica dudleya), Dudleya stolonifera (Laguna Beach dudleya), Eriogonum kennedyi var. austromontanum (southern mountain buckwheat), Swallenia alexandrae (Eureka Valley dune grass), and Noccaea fendleri subsp. californica (Kneeland Prairie pennycress). All of these revisions are not regulatory in nature and do not alter the listed species as previously recognized.

Several species that are the subjects of the taxonomic or nomenclatural revisions in this direct final rule have designated critical habitat. For clarity and consistency, we are revising the text of the critical habitat at 50 CFR 17.95 where necessary to correct scientific or common names for the following two wildlife species: Inyo California towhee ( Melozone crissalis eremophila) and western snowy plover [Pacific coast DPS] ( Anarhynchus nivosus nivosus). We also revise the text of the critical habitat at 50 CFR 17.96 where necessary to correct scientific or common names for the following nine plant species: Eremogone ursina (Bear Valley sandwort), Castilleja cinerea (ash-gray paintbrush), Zeltnera namophila (spring-loving centaury), Chloropyron molle subsp. molle (soft bird's-beak), Eriogonum kennedyi var. austromontanum (southern mountain buckwheat), Grindelia fraxinipratensis (Ash Meadows gumplant), Physaria kingii subsp. bernardina (San Bernardino Mountains bladderpod), Acanthoscyphus parishii var. goodmaniana (Cushenbury oxytheca), and Noccaea fendleri subsp. californica (Kneeland Prairie pennycress). These revisions are not regulatory in nature and do not alter the boundaries of critical habitat or the protections of the Act in any way.

Specific Taxonomic and Nomenclatural Changes

We provide below, in the same sequence as in table 1, a species-by-species discussion supporting the changes in scientific name, common name, or both in the Lists.

In certain instances, in the following discussions, we address changes to a species' scientific name. Per 50 CFR 17.11(c) and 17.11(g) for wildlife and 50 CFR 17.12(b) and 17.12(g) for plants, to determine a species' scientific name, we are to rely, to the extent practicable, on the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) ( www.itis.gov/​). ITIS is an online database used by the Service as a reference for Act-related taxonomic decisions. We have determined that, as a reviewer of current taxonomic literature, it maintains generally accepted lists of taxa that are both valid and verified (81 FR 51550 at 51555, August 4, 2016). However, ITIS is not a taxonomic authority; it compiles information from other sources. In our experience, the taxonomic treatment it recognizes for some taxa is not always consistent with the best scientific data available. We are required by the Act to use the best scientific and commercial data available. When conflict exists, we rely on our own best professional judgment, the expertise of the scientific community, and current taxonomic literature (especially, but not limited to, primary sources) to determine the most appropriate taxonomic treatment (see 81 FR 51550, August 4, 2016, citing 45 FR 13010 at 13012-13013, February 27, 1980).

Per section 3(16) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1532(16)), the term “species” may include a taxon at the species rank, a taxon at the subspecies rank, or for vertebrates, a distinct population segment (DPS); a DPS is a non-taxonomic entity that is unique to the Act. In taxonomy, a species is indicated by the combination of two terms, the genus epithet and the species epithet, forming a binomial. A subspecies is a form of infraspecific taxon; that is, a taxon hierarchically below the species rank or level. In zoological nomenclature, a subspecies is indicated by the combination of three terms, the genus epithet, the species epithet, and the subspecies epithet, forming a trinomial. In botanical nomenclature, multiple forms of infraspecific taxa are used indicating various taxonomic ranks.

For our purposes implementing the Act with respect to plants, we focus on the infraspecific taxa of subspecies and variety. For the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act, we consider plant varieties to be equivalent to subspecies (43 FR 17910 at 17912, April 26, 1978). Consistent with the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN), we use abbreviations to distinguish between the two categories. The ICN is the set of internationally agreed upon rules and recommendations that botanical taxonomists use in the naming of algae, fungi, and plants. As such, we use the abbreviation “var.” (punctuation included) to indicate a variety. However, the abbreviation for indicating a subspecies has changed in botanical nomenclature; it had long been “ssp.” (punctuation included), but the ICN now recommends “subsp.” (punctuation included). We note that ITIS currently uses “ssp.” as the abbreviation to indicate botanical subspecies. This contrasts with the recommendation of the ICN, and we consider the ICN to provide the best scientific information on this matter. Therefore, in instances where we are addressing subspecies of plants, we are shifting the abbreviation we use from “ssp.” to “subsp.” We are doing this on ( printed page 70018) a case-by-case basis, when appropriate, and not en masse.

Additionally, in certain instances in the following discussions, we address species that include synonyms. Per 50 CFR 17.11(b) for wildlife common names, 17.11(c) for wildlife scientific names, 17.12(b) for plant scientific names, or 17.12(c) for plant common names, we sometimes parenthetically include one or more synonyms as part of the common name or scientific name when confusion might arise from the use of different names for the same taxon. When there is little chance for confusion, we do not include synonyms.

San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat

We are changing “San Bernardino Merriam's kangaroo rat” to “San Bernardino kangaroo rat.” This is an editorial change, not a taxonomic change. The scientific name remains the same. We acknowledge that the listed entity is a subspecies of the associated species-level taxon, Merriam's kangaroo rat ( Dipodomys merriami). We further acknowledge that by including “Merriam's” in the common name of the subspecies, it indicates a hierarchical taxonomic relationship with Dipodomys merriami. However, “San Bernardino kangaroo rat” is used much more widely in the scientific literature as the common name for Dipodomys merriami parvus. Because of this, we are changing the common name. This editorial change does not affect the range or the listing status of this subspecies; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the subspecies rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has been designated for this species, but “San Bernardino kangaroo rat” is consistent with the common name we use in 50 CFR 17.95. As such, no changes are needed in that section.

Stephens' Kangaroo Rat

We are changing “ Dipodomys stephensi (incl. D. cascus)” to “ Dipodomys stephensi.” This is an editorial change, not a taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. We are removing the parenthetical synonym. The current scientific literature recognizes Dipodomys stephensi as the most appropriate name for this taxon; the name Dipodomys cascus was established later in time and does not have nomenclatural precedence (that is, it is a junior synonym, in part) (ITIS 2024r, unpaginated); it has not been used for many years. At this point, there is little chance for confusion. Therefore, for simplicity, we are removing the synonym. ITIS (2024s, unpaginated) recognizes Dipodomys stephensi as the current (valid) scientific name for this taxon. This editorial change does not affect the range or the listing status of the species; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. A species-specific “4(d)” rule (a rule issued under the authority of section 4(d) of the Act) has been designated for this species, but it does not mention the parenthetical synonym; consequently, no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.40(t). Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.95.

Inyo California Towhee

We are changing the scientific name from “ Melozone crissalis eremophilus” to “ Melozone crissalis eremophila.” This is an editorial change, not a taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. On July 31, 2023, we recognized the genus-level taxonomic realignment for this listed entity from Pipilo to Melozone (88 FR 49310). However, Pipilo is masculine, and Melozone is feminine (David and Gosselin 2002, p. 259). Consequently, the subspecific name or epithet (the third name in the trinomial) should be changed from eremophilus to eremophila to remain consistent with the grammatical gender of the newly recognized genus name (or genus epithet). Information in ITIS (2024ab, unpaginated) supports the feminine orthography; however, ITIS does not currently recognize the subspecies. As discussed in our 2024 5-year status review for the Inyo California towhee (Service 2024, pp. 5-7), we are continuing to recognize the subspecies at this time, contrary to ITIS. This nomenclatural revision does not affect the range or the listing status of this subspecies; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the subspecies rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has been designated for this species, and we are making commensurate changes in the subspecies' scientific name in 50 CFR 17.95.

Western Snowy Plover [Pacific Coast DPS]

We are changing the scientific name from “ Charadrius nivosus nivosus” to “ Anarhynchus nivosus nivosus,” we are changing the common name “western snowy plover [Pacific Coast population DPS]” to “western snowy plover [Pacific coast DPS],” and we are changing the DPS's entry in the “Where listed” column in 50 CFR 17.11(h) from “Pacific Coast population DPS—U.S.A. (CA, OR, WA), Mexico (within 50 miles of Pacific coast)” to “U.S.A. (CA, OR, WA), Mexico (Baja California, Baja California Sur); within 50 miles of Pacific coast.” On April 21, 2006 (71 FR 20607 at 20618), we determined that the listed entity qualified as a DPS under our DPS policy (61 FR 4722, February 7, 1996). This DPS is a population of the western snowy plover, a taxon at the subspecies rank. We are changing the entry for the scientific name of the listed DPS to reflect a taxonomic change of the subspecies.

Analyses of molecular data and other characteristics indicate that Charadrius (broadly speaking) is paraphyletic (Barth et al. 2013, figure 1 therein; Dos Remedios et al. 2015, figure 1 therein; Černý and Natale 2022, figure 6 therein); that is, the genus, as it has been traditionally recognized, comprises more than one evolutionary lineage. To better reflect the snowy plover's evolutionary lineage, most authorities have transferred it (along with several other Charadrius species) to the genus Anarhynchus in their recent treatments (Clements et al. 2023, unpaginated; Medler 2023, unpaginated; Gill et al. 2024, unpaginated; but see Handbook of the Birds of the World (HBW) and BirdLife International 2024, unpaginated). Additionally, the North American Classification Committee (NACC) of the American Ornithological Society (AOS) (formerly the Committee on Classification and Nomenclature of the American Ornithologists' Union) also recently accepted the genus-level change for the snowy plover, recognizing the species as Anarhynchus nivosus (Chesser et al. 2024, p. 2). The AOS NACC is widely accepted as the leading authority of avian taxonomy in North America. While the AOS NACC no longer explicitly addresses taxa at the subspecies rank, because of the hierarchical structure of zoological taxonomy, changes at the genus level are also reflected at the species- and subspecies-levels as well. Thus, the best scientific information available indicates that the scientific name for the DPS's underlying taxon is now Anarhynchus nivosus nivosus.

The ITIS entry for the western snowy plover does not currently reflect the recent information in the scientific literature (ITIS 2024, unpaginated); the most recent references ITIS cites for this taxon are from 2022. We conclude that ITIS does not currently provide the best available scientific information for this subspecies. Based on our review of the scientific literature, we recognize Anarhynchus nivosus nivosus as the scientific name for the DPS. This taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status of this DPS; we continue to recognize the listed ( printed page 70019) entity as a DPS of a vertebrate subspecies for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act.

Additionally, as part of our review of the scientific name entry in 50 CFR 17.11, we reviewed the common name entry. We are changing two aspects of the common name. First, we conclude that it is not necessary to capitalize the “c” in “coast.” The “Pacific Coast” is not a widely recognized proper noun, and when it is used, it is typically equivalent to the “West Coast,” referring to the Pacific coastal region of the conterminous United States. The range of the DPS also includes a portion of the Pacific coastal region of the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico, and therefore, “Pacific Coast” does not adequately describe the DPS's range. Second, we conclude that including the word “population” in the common name for the DPS is redundant; clarity is diminished by including the first use of the term in the entity's common name when the DPS initialism is written out: western snowy plover [Pacific coast population distinct population segment]. We are removing the first instance of that word in that phrase. As such, we are changing the entry for the common name to “western snowy plover [Pacific coast DPS].” This common name revision does not affect the range or the listing status of this DPS. Critical habitat has been designated for this DPS, and we are making commensurate changes in the DPS's scientific name and common name in 50 CFR 17.95.

Moreover, as described in 50 CFR 17.11(d), the “Where listed” column in 50 CFR 17.11(h) sets forth the geographic area where the species is listed for purposes of the Act. Currently, the entry in this column for the DPS reads “Pacific Coast population DPS—U.S.A. (CA, OR, WA), Mexico (within 50 miles of Pacific coast).” This is somewhat unclear. We are changing it to “U.S.A. (CA, OR, WA), Mexico (Baja California, Baja California Sur); within 50 miles of Pacific coast.” This change addresses three potential sources of confusion. First, the phrase “Pacific Coast population DPS—” at the beginning of the entry is unnecessary. When similar phrases are used in the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, they are used to distinguish between or among different DPSs of the same species. For example, compare with the various entries for DPSs of the humpback whale ( Megaptera novaeangliae) or steelhead ( Oncorhynchus mykiss). Second, the new wording better indicates that the “within 50 miles of the Pacific coast” phrase applies to California, Oregon, and Washington as well as the DPS's range in Mexico, including the Mexican States of Baja California and Baja California Sur. This clarification is consistent with how we have long considered the range of the DPS. For example, our description of the DPS's range in the recovery plan (Service 2007, p. 1) states, “[t]he Pacific coast population [of the western snowy plover] is defined as those individuals that nest within 50 miles of the Pacific Ocean on the mainland coast, peninsulas, offshore islands, bays, estuaries, or rivers of the United States and Baja California, Mexico.” While this definition is more complete, it is still not entirely accurate as written; it does not include the Mexican State of Baja California Sur. This oversight is inconsistent with mapped or described ranges in our earlier publications (71 FR 20607 at 20609, April 21, 2006; Service 2007, p. 2 (figure 1); Service 2019b, p. 2). Thus, to address the third potential source of confusion, we are also amending the “Where listed” column to explicitly include the Mexican States of Baja California and Baja California Sur. These editorial changes do not affect the range or the listing status of the DPS, and they have no bearing on 50 CFR 17.95.

Arroyo Toad

We are changing the common name “arroyo (=arroyo southwestern) toad” to “arroyo toad.” This is an editorial change, not a taxonomic change. We are removing the synonym in the common name entry. The scientific name remains the same. When we listed this species in 1994, it was recognized as the arroyo southwestern toad ( Bufo microscaphus californicus) (59 FR 64859, December 16, 1994). With subsequent taxonomic revisions, as described in 74 FR 52612 (October 13, 2009), we now recognize the listed entity as the arroyo toad ( Anaxyrus californicus). This combination is widely used in the scientific literature. At this point, there is little chance for confusion. Therefore, for simplicity, we are removing the synonym in the common name. This editorial revision does not affect the range or the listing status of the species; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has been designated for this species; however, the synonym is not included and “arroyo toad” is consistent with the common name we use in 50 CFR 17.95. As such, no changes are needed in that section.

Desert Slender Salamander

We are changing the scientific name from “ Batrachoseps aridus” to “ Batrachoseps major aridus.” This reflects a taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. We provide the background for this change in our 2014 5-year review (Service 2014, pp. 5-6 and 14), which is updated in the following discussion. Southern California slender salamanders (genus Batrachoseps) show high genetic diversity and complex phylogenetic lineages, which results in taxonomic uncertainty in Batrachoseps taxa in this region, including the desert slender salamander (Jockusch et al. 2020, entire). Further, the extreme scarcity of desert slender salamanders has limited the extent to which the entity has been assessed by modern methods (Martínez-Solano et al. 2012, p. 147; Jockusch et al. 2015, p. 67). ITIS currently does not recognize the desert slender salamander as a taxon, either as a species or a subspecies (ITIS 2024g, unpaginated; 2024h, unpaginated); ITIS's treatment does not consider it distinguishable from the garden slender salamander ( B. major) (ITIS 2024i, unpaginated). However, it is unclear how ITIS came to its conclusion because the references it cites are inconsistent. For example, one of its references, the Amphibian Species of the World online database (Frost 2024a, unpaginated; 2024b, unpaginated) currently notes that the distinguishability of the desert slender salamander is ambiguous, whether at the species level or subspecies level, but the Committee on Standard English and Scientific Names for Reptiles and Amphibians North of Mexico, another reference ITIS cites, has recognized Batrachoseps major aridus in the past three editions of its list, the first of which ITIS cites (Crother 2008, p. 15; Crother 2012, p. 25; Crother 2017, p. 27). We conclude that ITIS does not currently provide the best available scientific information for this taxon. In all, in our review of the scientific literature (primary sources and taxonomic authorities), we find no consensus in the taxonomic treatment. While few sources support recognizing the desert slender salamander at the species rank ( B. aridus), some sources support recognizing it as a population of garden slender salamander ( B. major) and not as distinguishable taxon, and other sources support recognizing it at the subspecies rank ( B. m. aridus). Currently, we are recognizing the desert slender salamander as a subspecies, B. m. aridus, consistent with Crother et al. (2017, p. 27). This taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing ( printed page 70020) status of this entity; however, with this change, we now recognize the listed entity at the subspecies rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.95.

El Segundo Blue Butterfly

We are changing the scientific name from “ Euphilotes battoides allyni” to “ Euphilotes allyni.” This reflects a taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. As we noted in our 2021 5-year review (Service 2021a, pp. 2-3), an analysis of genetic data determined that the population of Euphilotes battoides -type butterflies sampled from coastal Los Angeles County was the most distinct of several populations of Euphilotes battoides -type butterflies sampled from within Southern California (Dupuis et al. 2020, p. 1911). This subsequently prompted recognition of the El Segundo blue butterfly at the species rank, Euphilotes allyni (Rubinoff et al. 2021, pp. 161-162). The genetic evaluation confirmed that the range of the El Segundo blue butterfly is limited to the area from the northern portion of the Palos Verdes Peninsula to the area near Ballona Lagoon (Service 2021a, p. 7). The genetic data also indicated that other populations of similar-looking blue butterflies elsewhere that were suspected to be El Segundo blue butterflies, are not E. allyni (see discussion in Dupuis et al. 2020, pp. 1899, 1914-1915) . Currently, ITIS continues to recognize Euphilotes battoides allyni as the current (valid) scientific name for the El Segundo blue butterfly (ITIS 2024x, unpaginated). It appears that ITIS's entry for this taxon does not reflect the recent information in the scientific literature because the most recent reference it cites is from 2009. We conclude that ITIS does not currently provide the best available scientific information for this taxon.

We are recognizing the El Segundo blue butterfly as Euphilotes allyni. This taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status of this entity; however, with this change, we now recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.95.

Acanthomintha duttonii (San Mateo thornmint)

We are changing the scientific name from “ Acanthomintha obovata ssp. duttonii” to “ Acanthomintha duttonii.” This reflects a taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. Based on a reevaluation of the species, Jokerst (1991, p. 278) elevated the taxon to species rank. This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora (Miller and Jokerst 2012, unpaginated). The Jepson eFlora (Jepson Flora Project 2024, unpaginated) is the regularly updated online version of The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California (Baldwin et al. 2012, entire). The Jepson Manual is the standard flora for California in which contributing authors provide systematic treatments of all the State's taxonomic groups; it is widely considered an authoritative source for botanical taxonomy in California. ITIS (2024a, unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts this combination. This taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status of this entity; however, with this change, we now recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.

Boechera hoffmannii (Hoffmann's rockcress)

We are changing the scientific name from “ Arabis hoffmannii” to “ Boechera hoffmannii” and changing the common name from “Hoffmann's rock-cress” to “Hoffmann's rockcress.” The updated scientific name reflects a taxonomic change, and the common name change is to better reflect usage in the literature. As we discuss in our 2011 5-year review for this species (Service 2011a, p. 4), botanical taxonomists now recognize Hoffmann's rockcress in the genus Boechera (Al-Shehbaz 2003, p. 386). This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora (Windham and Al-Shehbaz 2012, unpaginated). ITIS (2024j, unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts this combination. This taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status of this entity; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.

Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. crassifolia (Del Mar manzanita)

We are changing the scientific name from “ Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia” to “ Arctostaphylos glandulosa subsp. crassifolia.” This is an editorial change. The common name remains the same. As discussed at the start of this section, we are changing “ssp.” to “subsp.” to be consistent with botanical nomenclatural norms. ITIS (2024c, unpaginated) has not adopted this convention at this time; we conclude that ITIS does not currently provide the best available scientific information for this taxon. This editorial revision does not affect the range or the listing status of this entity; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the subspecies rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.

Arctostaphylos montana subsp. ravenii (Presidio manzanita)

We are changing the scientific name from “ Arctostaphylos hookeri var. ravenii” to “ Arctostaphylos montana subsp. ravenii.” This reflects a taxonomic change that also corrects an earlier nomenclatural error. The current common name remains unchanged. The scientific and common names of this listed entity have been inconsistently applied in 50 CFR 17.12 (the List) over time. In 1979, we originally used “ Arctostaphylos hookeri ssp. ravenii” for the scientific name and “Raven's manzanita” for the common name (44 FR 61910, October 26, 1979). In the 1986 edition of the Code of Federal Regulations, the scientific name in the List was “ Arctostaphylos pungens var. ravenii (= A. hookeri ssp. ravenii)” and the common name was “Presidio (=Raven's) manzanita”; however, it appears that there was no associated rule published in the Federal Register to explain these changes. In the 1995 edition, the scientific name in the List was “ Arctostaphylos hookeri (= pungens) var. ravenii,” again, apparently without an associated published rule. Ignoring the inserted synonym “(= pungens),” the combination “ Arctostaphylos hookeri var. ravenii” was incorrect; it should have been “ Arctostaphylos hookeri ssp. ravenii” (indicating subspecies rather than variety). In the 2001 edition of the Code of Federal Regulations, the entity's scientific name in the List no longer included the “(=pungens)” synonym, and the common name lost the “(=Raven's)” synonym—again, apparently without a published explanation. While we used the correct scientific name combination in the 2003 multi-species recovery plan that included this species (Service 2003, entire), the scientific name in the List continued to refer to it as a variety.

Meanwhile, based on molecular work on the Arctostaphylos hookeri complex that included the listed entity, Markos et al. (1998, p. 194) determined that infraspecific taxa formerly included in A. hookeri were, in fact, not close relatives of that species. To ( printed page 70021) accommodate these findings, A. montana was returned to its original rank of species, and the Presidio manzanita was included as A. montana subsp. ravenii (Parker et al. 2007, p. 150). This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora (Parker et al. 2023, unpaginated). ITIS (2024d, unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts this combination, although as previously noted, ITIS has not adopted the “subsp.” orthographic convention at this time. We are changing the scientific name in the List for the Presidio manzanita to “ Arctostaphylos montana subsp. ravenii.” This taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status of this entity; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the subspecies rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.

Eremogone ursina (Bear Valley sandwort)

We are changing the scientific name from “ Arenaria ursina” to “ Eremogone ursina.” This reflects a taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. As we discuss in our 2015 5-year review (Service 2015b, p. 10), portions of the genus Arenaria are now recognized as Eremogone (Harbaugh et al. 2010, p. 195). This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora (Hartman and Rabeler 2012, unpaginated). ITIS (2024v, unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts this taxon. This taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status of this entity; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has been designated for this species, and we are making commensurate changes in 50 CFR 17.96. Additionally, when we designated critical habitat for this species, we did so in a rule that included two other co-occurring species (72 FR 73092, December 26, 2007). To distinguish the critical habitat units among the three species, we used species-specific identifiers; we used the four-letter code “ARUR” for “ Arenaria ursina” (72 FR 73092 at 73097, December 26, 2007). To maintain consistency, we are adding text into the appropriate section of 50 CFR 17.96 indicating that “ARUR” remains the identifier for this species even though we are recognizing the species as “ Eremogone ursina.” This clarifying text does not alter the critical habitat as it was designated.

Astragalus claranus (Clara Hunt's milk-vetch)

We are changing the scientific name from “ Astragalus clarianus” to “ Astragalus claranus.” This is an editorial change. The common name remains the same. Silva (1998, unpaginated) noted the orthographical error of the original spelling. Jepson (1925, p. 578) had originally published the species name with an incorrectly constructed specific epithet: clarianus should have been claranus. ITIS recognizes the taxon but uses the original spelling, A. clarianus (ITIS 2024e, unpaginated; 2024f, unpaginated); however, ITIS does not include any recent references for this taxon. The treatment with the corrected spelling was recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora (Wojciechowski and Spellenberg 2023, unpaginated). We conclude that ITIS does not currently provide the best available scientific information for this taxon. This editorial revision does not affect the range or the listing status of this entity; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.

Castilleja cinerea (Ash-gray paintbrush)

We are changing the common name from “Ash-gray Indian paintbrush” to “Ash-gray paintbrush.” This is an editorial change. The scientific name remains the same. The revised common name is consistent with modern usage, including the Jepson eFlora (Wetherwax et al. 2012, unpaginated). This editorial revision does not affect the range or the listing status of this entity; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has been designated for this species, and we are making commensurate changes in 50 CFR 17.96.

Ceanothus ferrisiae (Coyote ceanothus)

We are changing the scientific name from “ Ceanothus ferrisae” to “ Ceanothus ferrisiae.” This is an editorial change. The common name remains the same. Silva (1998, unpaginated) noted the orthographical error of the original spelling. McMinn (1933, p. 89) had originally published the species name with an incorrectly constructed specific epithet: ferrisae should have been ferrisiae. This treatment with the corrected spelling was recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora (Burge and Wilken 2020, unpaginated). ITIS (2024k, unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts this orthography. This editorial revision does not affect the range or the listing status of this entity; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.

Zeltnera namophila (Spring-loving centaury)

We are changing the scientific name from “ Centaurium namophilum” to “ Zeltnera namophila.” This reflects a taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. As mentioned in our 2020 5-year review (Service 2020b, p. unpaginated), and based on a phylogenetic analysis of molecular data (Mansion and Struwe 2004, entire), Mansion (2004, p. 732) described a new genus, Zeltnera, for most North American species of Centaurium, forming the new combination Zeltnera namophila for this species. This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora (Pringle 2012, unpaginated). ITIS (2024ai, unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts this combination. This taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status of this entity; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has been designated for this species, and we are making commensurate changes in 50 CFR 17.96.

Chloropyron maritimum subsp. maritimum (Salt marsh bird's-beak)

We are changing the scientific name from “ Cordylanthus maritimus ssp. maritimus” to “ Chloropyron maritimum subsp. maritimum.” This reflects a taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. As detailed in our 2009 5-year review (Service 2009b, pp. 13-14), Tank et al. (2009, p. 188) resurrected Chloropyron, forming the combination Chloropyron maritimum, which includes the nominate subspecies C. m. subsp. maritimum. This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora (Wetherwax and Tank 2012a, unpaginated). ITIS (2024m, unpaginated) also recognizes the combination. However, it appears that ITIS did not correctly update the grammatical gender of the subspecies epithet when the genus epithet changed. Cordylanthus is masculine, Chloropyron is neuter. Specifically, the subspecific epithet maritimus should be maritimum. Additionally, as discussed at the start of this section, ITIS continues to use the “ssp.” abbreviation to indicate subspecies. We conclude that ITIS does not currently provide the ( printed page 70022) best available scientific information for this taxon. We are recognizing Chloropyron maritimum subsp. maritimum. This taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status of this entity; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the subspecies rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.

Chloropyron molle subsp. molle (Soft bird's-beak)

We are changing the scientific name from “ Cordylanthus mollis ssp. mollis” to “ Chloropyron molle subsp. molle.” This reflects a taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. Like the preceding entity, this taxon reflects a nomenclatural change from Cordylanthus to Chloropyron and associated revisions in the species and subspecies epithets to reflect the difference in grammatical gender of the new genus epithet. The taxon is now recognized as Chloropyron molle subsp. molle. Details are presented in the Recovery Plan for Tidal Marsh Ecosystems of Northern and Central California (Service 2013, p. 68). This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora (Wetherwax and Tank 2012b, unpaginated). ITIS also recognizes and accepts this combination (ITIS 2024n, unpaginated). However, as discussed at the start of this section, ITIS continues to use the “ssp.” abbreviation to indicate subspecies; we are using the “subsp.” abbreviation, Chloropyron molle subsp. molle. This taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status of this entity; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the subspecies rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has been designated for this species, and we are making commensurate changes in 50 CFR 17.96. Additionally, in the heading for the critical habitat description, the species' family is included; for this species, we are changing “Scrophulariaceae” to “Orobanchaceae” to be consistent with current treatments (Wetherwax and Tank 2012b, unpaginated; ITIS 2024n, unpaginated).

Chloropyron molle subsp. molle (Palmate-bracted bird's-beak)

We are changing the scientific name from “ Cordylanthus palmatus” to “ Chloropyron palmatum.” This reflects a taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. Similar to the preceding two entities, this taxon reflects a nomenclatural change from Cordylanthus to Chloropyron and the associated revision in the species epithet to reflect the difference in grammatical gender of the new genus epithet. The taxon is now recognized as Chloropyron palmatum. Details are presented in the 2009 5-year review for this species (Service 2009d, pp. 19-20). This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora (Wetherwax and Tank 2012c, unpaginated). ITIS (2024o, unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts this combination. This taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status of this entity; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.

Deinandra conjugens (Otay tarplant)

We are changing the scientific name entry from “ Deinandra (= Hemizonia) conjugens” to “ Deinandra conjugens.” This is an editorial change, not a taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. The current scientific literature now recognizes Deinandra conjugens; it has been more than 20 years since this taxon was recognized under the genus Hemizonia in the scientific literature (see 67 FR 76030, December 10, 2002). At this point, there is little chance for confusion. Therefore, for simplicity, we are removing the synonym in the scientific name. Other than the parenthetical synonym, the species' scientific name remains unchanged and is consistent with the Jepson eFlora (Baldwin 2012, unpaginated) and ITIS (2024q, unpaginated). This editorial revision does not affect the range or the listing status of the species; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has been designated for this species; however, the synonym is not included and “ Deinandra conjugens” is consistent with the scientific name we use in 50 CFR 17.96. As such, no changes are needed in that section.

Dudleya parva (Conejo dudleya)

We are changing the scientific name from “ Dudleya abramsii ssp. parva” to “ Dudleya parva.” This reflects a taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. As described in our 2009 and 2015 5-year reviews (Service 2009c, p. 9; Service 2015a, p. 11), the taxon should not be considered within the circumscription of Dudleya abramsii and should best be considered at the species rank. This was also supported by an analysis of molecular phylogeny (Yost et al. 2013, figures 1 and 2 therein). This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora (McCabe 2012b, unpaginated). ITIS (2024u, unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts this combination. This taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status of this entity; however, with this change, we now recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.

Dudleya cymosa subsp. ovatifolia (Santa Monica dudleya)

We are changing the scientific name from “ Dudleya cymosa ssp. ovatifolia” to “ Dudleya cymosa subsp. ovatifolia,” and the common name from “Santa Monica Mountains dudleya” to “Santa Monica dudleya.” We recognize that the taxonomy of this subspecies complex is not fully resolved (Service 2021b, entire). We are not addressing the larger taxonomic questions currently; the current change is merely editorial. As we describe at the start of this section, the abbreviation “subsp.” is now preferred over “ssp.,” and we are using it even though ITIS has not adopted this orthography (ITIS 2024t, unpaginated). Additionally, we are adopting the common name that is consistent with usage in the Jepson eFlora (McCabe 2012a, unpaginated), although we recognize that the current common name is also widely used. This editorial revision does not affect the range or the listing status of the species; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the subspecies rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.

Dudleya stolonifera (Laguna Beach dudleya)

We are changing the common name from “Laguna Beach liveforever” to “Laguna Beach dudleya.” This is an editorial change. The scientific name remains the same. We are adopting the common name that is consistent with usage in the Jepson eFlora (McCabe 2012c, unpaginated), although we recognize that the current common name is also widely used. This editorial revision does not affect the range or the listing status of the species; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96. ( printed page 70023)

Eriastrum densifolium subsp. sanctorum (Santa Ana River woolly-star)

We are changing the scientific name from “ Eriastrum densifolium ssp. sanctorum” to “ Eriastrum densifolium subsp. sanctorum.” This is an editorial change. The common name remains the same. As we describe at the start of this section, the abbreviation “subsp.” is now preferred over “ssp.,” and we are using it even though ITIS has not adopted this orthography (ITIS 2024w, unpaginated). This editorial revision does not affect the range or the listing status of the species; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the subspecies rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.

Eriogonum kennedyi var. austromontanum (southern mountain buckwheat)

We are changing the common name from “southern mountain wild-buckwheat” to “southern mountain buckwheat.” This is an editorial change. The scientific name remains the same. We are adopting the common name that is consistent with usage in the Jepson eFlora (Reveal and Rosatti 2012, unpaginated), although we recognize that the current common name is also widely used. This editorial revision does not affect the range or the listing status of the species; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the subspecies rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has been designated for this species, and we are making commensurate changes in 50 CFR 17.96.

Fremontodendron decumbens (Pine Hill flannelbush)

We are changing the scientific name from “ Fremontodendron californicum ssp. decumbens” to “ Fremontodendron decumbens.” This reflects a taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. In a revision of the genus Fremontodendron, Kelman (1991, p. 16) elevated F. californicum subsp. decumbens to the species rank, F. decumbens, as it was originally described (Lloyd 1965, p. 382). This is supported by more recent work examining molecular markers of F. decumbens and F. californicum (Kelman et al. 2006, p. 383). This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora (Preston et al. 2012, unpaginated). ITIS (2024y, unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts this combination. While we acknowledge that there is some taxonomic uncertainty associated with some flannelbush individuals that, if confirmed as this taxon, could result in a change in the taxon's range (Service 2019c, p. 3), the taxonomic treatment recognized herein, in and of itself, does not affect the range of the listed entity. This change does not affect the entity's listing status; however, with this change, we now recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.

Grindelia fraxinipratensis (Ash Meadows gumplant)

We are changing the scientific name from “ Grindelia fraxino-pratensis” to “ Grindelia fraxinipratensis.” This is an editorial change. The common name remains the same.

When Ash Meadows gumplant was described as a new species by Reveal and Beatley (1971, p. 334), they constructed an orthographically incorrect Latin specific epithet, fraxino-pratensis. Greenhouse (2007, unpaginated) subsequently noted that the specific epithet should have been spelled fraxinipratensis. This subsequent spelling was accepted by the Jepson eFlora (Moore 2012, unpaginated), and ITIS (2024z, unpaginated) also accepts this orthography. This editorial revision does not affect the range or the listing status of the species; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has been designated for this species, and we are making commensurate changes in 50 CFR 17.96.

Crocanthemum greenei (Island rush-rose)

We are changing the scientific name from “ Helianthemum greenei” to “ Crocanthemum greenei.” This reflects a taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. As discussed in our 2019 5-year review (Service 2019a, pp. 2-3), several lines of evidence supported the segregation of Helianthemum species (broadly speaking) into two distinct genera, Helianthemum in the Old World and Crocanthemum in the New World, including C. greenei. This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora (Sorrie and Rosatti 2013, unpaginated). ITIS (2024p, unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts this combination. This taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status of the species; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.

Physaria kingii subsp. bernardina (San Bernardino Mountains bladderpod)

We are changing the scientific name “ Lesquerella kingii ssp. bernardina” to “ Physaria kingii subsp. bernardina.” This reflects a taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. As discussed in our 2009 5-year review (Service 2009f, pp. 5-6), multiple lines of evidence indicated that the genus Physaria is nested within the genus Lesquerella; this necessitated the merger of the two genera and new nomenclatural combinations under the genus Physaria (Al-Shehbaz and O'Kane 2002, pp. 319-329). This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora (Al-Shehbaz 2012c, unpaginated). ITIS (2024ag, unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts this combination. This taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status of this entity; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the subspecies rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has been designated for this species, and we are making commensurate changes in 50 CFR 17.96.

Opuntia basilaris var. treleasei (Bakersfield cactus)

We are changing the scientific name from “ Opuntia treleasei” to “ Opuntia basilaris var. treleasei.” This reflects a taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. As discussed in our 2011 and 2020 5-year reviews (Service 2011b, p. 16; 2020a, p. 2), available information suggests that the entity is best treated as an infraspecific taxon of O. basilaris. This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora (Baker et al. 2019, unpaginated). ITIS (2024ae, unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts this combination. This taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status of the species; however, with this change, we now recognize the listed entity at the subspecies rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.

Acanthoscyphus parishii var. goodmaniana (Cushenbury oxytheca)

We are changing the scientific name from “ Oxytheca parishii var. goodmaniana” to “ Acanthoscyphus parishii var. goodmaniana.” This reflects a taxonomic change. The ( printed page 70024) common name remains the same. As detailed in our 2009 5-year review (Service 2009a, p.6), several lines of evidence indicated that the taxonomy of the Cushenbury oxytheca did not align well with other Oxytheca species. Ultimately, Reveal (2004, p. 144) recognized the Cushenbury oxytheca under the combination Acanthoscyphus parishii var. goodmaniana. This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora (Reveal and Rosatti 2012, unpaginated). ITIS (2024b, unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts this combination. This taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status of this subspecies; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the subspecies rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has been designated for this species, and we are making commensurate changes in 50 CFR 17.96.

Sedella leiocarpa (Lake County stonecrop)

We are changing the scientific name from “ Parvisedum leiocarpum” to “ Sedella leiocarpa.” This reflects a nomenclatural change. The common name remains the same. We mentioned the nomenclatural revision in our 2009 5-year review (Service 2009e, p. 10). It involves a perceived nomenclatural error in the genus Sedella that prompted Clausen (1946, p. 58) to describe the genus Parvisedum and to make the corresponding species combinations, including Parvisedum leiocarpum. However, it was later determined that the perceived error was incorrect and that the change to Parvisedum was unnecessary (Eggli 1992, p. 83). As such, Sedella leiocarpa was, in fact, valid under the rules of botanical nomenclature. The Jepson eFlora (Boyd 2012, unpaginated) recognized and accepted Sedella leiocarpa. ITIS (2024ah, unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts this combination. This nomenclatural revision (correction) does not affect the range or the listing status of the species; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.

Nasturtium gambelii (Gambel's watercress)

We are changing the scientific name from “ Rorippa gambellii” to “ Nasturtium gambelii.” This reflects two changes, an editorial (orthographic) change and a taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. The incorrect spelling of the specific epithet can be traced to the original description of the species by Sereno Watson (Watson 1876, p. 147). Watson named the new species, Cardamine gambelii, in honor of its collector William Gambel, but Watson incorrectly spelled it as “Gambell” (Watson 1876, p. 147). Watson apparently caught and corrected this error by 1895 (Watson 1895, p. 158). However, the error has sporadically been carried through the botanical literature for many years, even as the taxon underwent several revisions under different but similar genera: Cardamine, Nasturtium, and Rorippa (see Al-Shehbaz and Rollins 1988, p. 69). Subsequently, molecular data prompted Al-Shehbaz and Price (1998, entire) to again recognize Nasturtium as distinct from Rorippa, including the listed entity. This taxonomic treatment and corrected spelling for the specific epithet were both recognized and accepted by the Jepson eFlora (Al-Shehbaz 2012a, unpaginated). ITIS (2024ac, unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts this combination. This taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status of this species; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.

Packera layneae (Layne's butterweed)

We are changing the scientific name from “ Senecio layneae” to “ Packera layneae.” This reflects a taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. Analyses of morphological, geographical, and cytological data yielded differences sufficient to segregate several species of Senecio into a genus, Packera, separate from other species of Senecio (Löve and Löve 1975, p. 520). This resulted in the combination Packera layneae for Layne's butterweed (Weber and Löve 1981, p. 47). This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora (Trock 2012, unpaginated). ITIS (2024af, unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts this combination. This taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status of the species; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.

Swallenia alexandrae (Eureka Valley dune grass)

We are changing the common name from “Eureka dune grass, Eureka Valley dune grass, or Eureka dunegrass” to “Eureka Valley dune grass.” This is an editorial change. The scientific name remains the same. The List currently presents three common names for this species. Each name is applicable to the species and is regularly used. For simplicity and consistency, we are now using one name. Prior to 2018, when we reclassified the species from an endangered species to a threatened species (83 FR 8576, February 27, 2018), we had used “Eureka Dune grass.” The species is known to occur on the Eureka Dunes, a large dune system in the Eureka Valley. The species also occurs on two other nearby dune systems in the Eureka Valley. Therefore, we are choosing to use “Eureka Valley dune grass” as the common name. This is consistent with the common name used by the Jepson eFlora (Bell and Smith 2012, unpaginated). Although we are not explicitly including them on the List as such, we consider the other common names as synonyms for this species. This editorial revision does not affect the range or the listing status of the species; we continue to recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.

Noccaea fendleri subsp. californica (Kneeland Prairie pennycress)

We are changing the common name from “Kneeland Prairie penny-cress” to “Kneeland Prairie pennycress”; the non-hyphenated orthography is more consistent with common usage (for example, Al-Shehbaz 2012b, unpaginated). We are also changing the scientific name from “ Thlaspi californicum” to “ Noccaea fendleri subsp. californica.” This reflects a taxonomic change. As discussed in our 2011 5-year review (Service 2011c, p. 7), a phylogenetic analysis of molecular data (Koch and Al-Shehbaz 2004, p. 379) indicated that North American representatives of genus Thlaspi should be reassigned to the genus Noccaea and that the Kneeland Prairie pennycress should be assigned as a subspecies under Noccaea fendleri (Koch and Al-Shehbaz 2004, p. 382). This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora (Al-Shehbaz 2012b, unpaginated). ITIS (2024ad, unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts this combination. This taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status of the taxon; however, with this change, we now recognize the listed entity at the subspecies rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has been designated for this species, and ( printed page 70025) we are making commensurate changes in 50 CFR 17.96.

Hesperocyparis goveniana (Gowen cypress)

We are changing the scientific name from “ Cupressus goveniana ssp. goveniana” to “ Hesperocyparis goveniana.” This reflects a taxonomic change. The common name remains the same. When we listed the entity in 1998 (63 FR 43100, August 12, 1998), we recognized it at the subspecies rank (Bartel 1993, p. 112). Its taxonomic rank was based on a sister infraspecific taxon, C. g. subsp. pigmaea (Bartel 1993, p. 112). Subsequent phylogenetic analyses indicated that C. g. subsp. pigmaea was not closely related to C. g. subsp. goveniana (Bartel et al. 2003, p. 699; Adams et al. 2009, p. 182), and the entity previously recognized as C. g. subsp. pigmaea became recognized as a separate taxon at the species rank. Without a sister infraspecific taxon, the infraspecific epithet no longer applied to the Gowan cypress, and the entity previously recognized as C. g. subsp. goveniana became recognized at the species rank, C. goveniana. Additionally, as discussed in our 2012 5-year review (Service 2012, p. 4), Adams et al. (2009, pp. 179, 181) also found that the New World Cupressus species were sufficiently differentiated from Old World taxa to be recognized under a new, separate genus, Hesperocyparis, including H. goveniana. This treatment was recognized and accepted in the Jepson eFlora (Bartel 2012, unpaginated). ITIS (2024aa, unpaginated) also recognizes and accepts this combination. This taxonomic revision does not affect the range or the listing status of the species; however, with this change, we now recognize the listed entity at the species rank for the purposes of section 3(16) of the Act. Critical habitat has not been designated for this species, and no changes are needed in 50 CFR 17.96.

Required Determinations

Clarity of the Rule

We are required by Executive Orders 12866 and 12988 and by the Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain language. This means that each rule we publish must:

(a) Be logically organized;

(b) Use the active voice to address readers directly;

(c) Use clear language rather than jargon;

(d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and

(e) Use lists and tables wherever possible.

If you feel that we have not met these requirements, send us comments by one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES . To help us to revise this rule, your comments should be as specific as possible.

National Environmental Policy Act

We have determined that environmental assessments and environmental impact statements, as defined under the authority of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), need not be prepared in connection with regulations issued pursuant to section 4(a) of the Act. We published a notice outlining our reasons for this determination in the Federal Register on October 25, 1983 (43 FR 49244).

Government-To-Government Relationship With Tribes

In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, “Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal Governments'” (59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175, and the Department of the Interior's manual at 512 DM 2, we readily acknowledge our responsibility to communicate meaningfully with recognized Federal Tribes on a government-to-government basis. In accordance with Secretarial Order 3206 of June 5, 1997 (American Indian Tribal Rights, Federal-Tribal Trust Responsibilities, and the Endangered Species Act), we readily acknowledge our responsibilities to work directly with Tribes in developing programs for healthy ecosystems, to acknowledge that Tribal lands are not subject to the same controls as Federal public lands, to remain sensitive to Indian culture, and to make information available to Tribes. We have determined that this rule will not affect Tribes or Tribal lands.

References Cited

A complete list of the referenced materials is provided in Docket No FWS-R8-ES-2026-0530 at www.regulations.gov or is available upon request from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT ).

Regulation Promulgation

For the reasons given in the preamble, we amend part 17, subchapter B of chapter I, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as set forth below:

91 FR 70013