Action timeline

November 15, 1994 – The Peck’s cave amphipod, Comal Springs riffle beetle, and Comal Springs drypopid beetle became candidates for listing in a notice of review.

June 5, 1995 – The Peck’s cave amphipod, Comal Springs riffle beetle, and Comal Springs drypopid beetle were proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act.

December 18, 1997 – After three years in limbo, the Peck’s cave amphipod, Comal Springs riffle beetle, and Comal Springs drypopid beetle were listed as endangered. They were granted no critical habitat.

November 17, 2003 – The Center sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to force critical habitat designation.

August 16, 2007 – A tiny area of central Texas, amounting to less than 40 acres, was designated as critical habitat for the Peck’s cave amphipod as part of a decision ordered by disgraced former Interior official Julie MacDonald.

August 28, 2007 – The Center filed a notice of intent to sue the Department of the Interior for political interference with 55 imperiled species in 28 states, including the Peck’s cave amphipod. The notice specifically advocated for more critical habitat for the invertebrate.

January 14, 2009 – The Center sued the Bush administration to earn adequate critical habitat for the Peck’s cave amphipod, Comal Springs riffle beetle, and Comal Springs dryopid beetle.

December 18, 2009 – In response to the Center’s suit, the Obama administration agreed to reconsider critical habitat designation for 12 endangered Texas invertebrates, including the Comal Springs dryopid beetle, Peck’s cave amphipod, and Comal Springs riffle beetle.