Deilus fugax
Local name: Aiguille du genêt
Deilus fugax, commonly known as Aiguille du genêt, is a slender, needle-like arthropod species characterized by its distinctive golden-brown coloration and elongated appendages that allow it to blend seamlessly among broom shrub branches. This cryptic species plays a crucial role as both predator of small invertebrates and prey for insectivorous birds, serving as an important link in Mediterranean scrubland food webs.
24
Countries
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Pedro Antonio Lázaro Molinero, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Pedro Antonio Lázaro Molinero
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera
Family
Cerambycidae
Genus
Deilus
Deilus fugax belongs to the family Cerambycidae, order Coleoptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
Deilus fugax, commonly known as Aiguille du genêt, is a slender, needle-like arthropod species characterized by its distinctive golden-brown coloration and elongated appendages that allow it to blend seamlessly among broom shrub branches. This cryptic species plays a crucial role as both predator of small invertebrates and prey for insectivorous birds, serving as an important link in Mediterranean scrubland food webs.
Aiguille du genêt (Deilus fugax) faces significant threats from habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and urban development across its range. Climate change is altering the distribution of suitable habitat conditions, while invasive plant species compete with native vegetation that this species depends upon.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits Mediterranean scrublands, dry grasslands, and rocky slopes with sparse vegetation, typically found at elevations between 200-1200m. It shows preference for areas with well-drained soils and open canopy conditions with scattered shrubs and herbaceous plants.
Threats
Habitat loss from agricultural conversion
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Climate change impacts on habitat suitability
Competition from invasive plant species
Fragmentation of remaining habitat patches
Found in 24 Countries
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (VU).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
Report a sightingNo community sightings yet. Be the first to report!
Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Deilus fugax (Deilus fugax). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/aiguille-du-genet