baltisk sandstilettfluga
Acrosathe baltica
The Baltic sand stiletto fly (Acrosathe baltica) is a specialized predatory dipteran with a distinctive elongated proboscis and slender build, measuring 8-12mm in length with characteristic amber-tinted wings. This species plays a crucial ecological role as both predator and prey, feeding on smaller arthropods in sandy coastal environments while serving as an important food source for coastal birds and spiders.
2
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Diptera
Family
Therevidae
Genus
Acrosathe
baltisk sandstilettfluga belongs to the family Therevidae, order Diptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
The Baltic sand stiletto fly (Acrosathe baltica) is a specialized predatory dipteran with a distinctive elongated proboscis and slender build, measuring 8-12mm in length with characteristic amber-tinted wings. This species plays a crucial ecological role as both predator and prey, feeding on smaller arthropods in sandy coastal environments while serving as an important food source for coastal birds and spiders.
Acrosathe baltica faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from coastal development and agricultural intensification in its limited Baltic coastal range. Climate change and sea level rise pose additional threats to its specialized sandy coastal habitats, while the species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to local extinctions.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Acrosathe baltica inhabits loose, well-drained sandy soils within 200 meters of the Baltic Sea coastline, particularly favoring areas with sparse vegetation and organic debris deposits. The species requires specific microhabitats where sand temperature and moisture levels remain stable, typically found in the transition zones between active dunes and established coastal vegetation.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Acrosathe baltica faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from coastal development and agricultural intensification in its limited Baltic coastal range. Climate change and sea level rise pose additional threats to its specialized sandy coastal habitats, while the species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to local extinctions.
Agricultural intensification and land use change
Coastal habitat destruction from development
Small population size and restricted range
Climate change and sea level rise
Community Sightings
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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
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). baltisk sandstilettfluga (Acrosathe baltica). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/baltisk-sandstilettfluga