Conservation Status and What It Means for Landowners
No Formal Conservation Listing
Xiphocentron messapus is No federal listing and no state listing in Texas. As a species without formal conservation listing, no regulatory restrictions apply, but managing for it contributes to overall ecosystem health and strengthens your wildlife management plan.
Habitat Requirements
Xiphocentron messapus (Xiphocentron messapus) is found across 4 Texas counties. This insect species depends on specific host plants, nectar sources, or habitat conditions throughout its life cycle. Managing for insect species requires maintaining diverse native plant communities, reducing pesticide use, and protecting breeding and overwintering habitat. Habitat loss and pesticide exposure are the primary threats to insect populations in Texas.
Wildlife Management Plan Implications
Including Xiphocentron messapus as a target species in your wildlife management plan demonstrates active management for a species representative of healthy ecosystems in Texas. Your plan should document habitat conditions on your property, identify management practices that benefit this species, and establish monitoring protocols to track population trends over the 5-year plan period. While this species does not carry conservation status, managing for it demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the ecological community your property supports.
Texas Ecoregions
- Multiple Texas ecoregions
Texas County Distribution
4
of 254 Texas counties with documented occurrences
2% of Texas counties
Recommended Management Practices
These practices from the 7 pillars of wildlife management are most relevant to Xiphocentron messapus conservation.
Habitat Control
Maintain diverse native plant communities including host plants and nectar sources
Supplemental Food
Establish pollinator gardens and reduce herbicide use in management areas
Census
Timed visual surveys during appropriate flight seasons to document abundance trends
Erosion Control
Maintain ground cover to protect overwintering habitat
Include Xiphocentron messapus in Your Wildlife Management Plan
Our interactive plan builder walks you through selecting target species, mapping your property, and meeting TPWD intensity standards for your ecoregion. Flat rate pricing, any Texas county.
Start Your Wildlife Management PlanFrequently Asked Questions
What does the conservation status of Xiphocentron messapus mean for my property?
Xiphocentron messapus is currently No federal listing and no state listing. Although this species does not carry formal protective status, TPWD recognizes it as part of the native wildlife community that wildlife management plans are designed to support.
How do I survey for Xiphocentron messapus on my property?
Survey methods depend on the species and habitat type. For Xiphocentron messapus, consult your ecoregion's TPWD wildlife biologist for recommended survey protocols. Document all observations with date, location, habitat description, and photographs when possible. Include survey results in your annual wildlife management plan activities log.