EPA Releases Final Biological Evaluations of the Pesticides Bicyclopyrone and Benzovindiflupyr Effects on Endangered Species
Released September 30, 2025
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing the final biological evaluations (BEs) and response to comments received on the draft BEs for the pesticides bicyclopyrone and benzovindiflupyr on federally threatened and endangered (listed) species and designated critical habitats. These final BEs are part of EPA’s efforts to meet its obligations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Bicyclopyrone is an herbicide used primarily to control broadleaf weeds as well as some annual grass weeds in agricultural crops including corn, wheat, barley, and other minor crops such as lemon grass and rosemary. Benzovindiflupyr is a fungicide used on a variety of crops including canola, cereals, and corn cotton, as well as non-food uses on turf and ornamentals.
After reviewing public comments on the draft BEs released in September 2024, EPA revised its evaluation of pesticides bicyclopyrone and benzovindiflupyr. EPA’s final BE finds that bicyclopyrone:
- Causes no effect on 477 listed species (27%) and 443 critical habitats (47%) (as compared to 26% and 58%, respectively, from the draft BE).
- Is not likely to adversely affect 300 listed species (17%) and 105 critical habitats (11 %) (as compared to 3% and 2%, respectively, from the draft BE).
- Is likely to adversely affect 803 listed species (46%) and 330 critical habitats (35%) (as compared to 63% and 17%, respectively, from the draft BE) but not cause Jeopardy/Adverse Modification.
- Is likely to adversely affect 155 listed species (9%) and 73 critical habitats (8%) (as compared to 7% and 22%, respectively, from the draft BE) and cause Jeopardy/Adverse Modification.
EPA’s final BE finds that benzovindiflupyr:
- Causes no effect on 994 listed species (57%) and 550 critical habitats (58%) (as compared to 13% and 25%, respectively, from the draft BE).
- Is not likely to adversely affect 259 listed species (15%) and 135 critical habitats (14%) (as compared to 10% and 20%, respectively, from the draft BE).
- Is likely to adversely affect 441 listed species (26%) and 252 critical habitats (26%) (as compared to 65% and 46%, respectively, from the draft BE) but not cause Jeopardy/Adverse Modification.
- Is likely to adversely affect 41 listed species (2%) and 14 critical habitats (2%) (as compared to 12% and 9%, respectively, from the draft BE) and cause Jeopardy/Adverse Modification.
Next Steps
When EPA determines in a final BE that a Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) action may affect listed species or critical habitats, the agency must initiate consultation with the relevant Service(s). Because EPA’s final BEs for bicyclopyrone and benzovindiflupyr made likely to adversely affect determinations for species under both Services' jurisdiction, EPA will initiate formal consultation with both Services.
During formal consultation, the Services use EPA’s effects determinations to inform their biological opinions. If the Services determine in their final biological opinions that mitigations are necessary to address any jeopardy or adverse modification determinations (that the Services may make) or to address any incidental take beyond those mitigations, then EPA will work to ensure that any necessary registration or labeling changes are made.
The final BEs will be available in the bicyclopyrone docket (EPA-HQ-OPP-2024-0457) and the benzovindiflupyr docket (EPA-HQ-OPP-2024-0458) on regulations.gov.