The Delhi Sands Flower-Loving Fly is an imperiled, obligate sand dune species that hasn’t been thoroughly studied due to its rarity and largely subterranean life cycle. Although much of this fly’s remaining habitat is protected, the species still faces a myriad of threats including invasive weeds, sand stabilization, sand loss, soil type conversion, and trespassing. Armed with what is known about the life history of the fly, 17 years of survey data, and hands on experience, management efforts have been undertaken to optimize suitable habitat for the Delhi Sands Flower-Loving Fly, with some promising results. Thus far, tangible successes have included localized range expansions and the recolonization of recently abandoned area, underscoring the importance of adaptive management for bolstering populations of declining species.

Jonathan Reinig has an B.S. in Biology, with an emphasis on evolution and ecology from the University of California, Davis. He has spent the past 14 years working with the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan. First as a field biologist for its monitoring program, then later as a natural resource specialist, and most recently as the Natural Resource Manager for its Land Management Program. During his tenure he has been lucky enough to work with many of southern California’s rare species, including one that he is particularly fond of; The Delhi Sands Flower Loving Fly.