AUSTIN, Texas � Following a comprehensive review of the most current scientific and commercial information, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined the Edwards Aquifer diving beetle does not warrant listing as an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.
The Edwards Aquifer diving beetle, also known as the Texas cave beetle, is a tiny aquatic insect found deep within the southern Edwards Aquifer in Hays and Comal counties. The beetle lives within a subterranean aquifer system that is inaccessible to humans. It is translucent with reduced, non-functioning eyes, using the many hairs on its legs to navigate in the dark, water-filled voids of the aquifer.
A partnership-driven habitat conservation plan supports the protection of the Edwards Aquifer diving beetle by implementing measures to minimize and mitigate potential impacts to this species and many others, by maintaining adequate spring flows even during extended droughts.
The species status assessment can be found in the . A notice of this finding and relevant documents are available in the Federal Register at or by searching docket number FWS–R2–ES�2024�0105.
