Chalepoxenus muellerianus
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temnothorax_muellerianus
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Chalepoxenus muellerianus faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat fragmentation and loss of suitable nesting sites in Mediterranean oak woodlands. The species' highly specialized parasitic lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable to disruptions in host ant populations, especially Temnothorax species that serve as their primary targets. Agricultural intensification and urban development have reduced the availability of dead wood and rock crevices essential for both the parasite and its hosts.
Habitat
This specialized parasitic ant inhabits Mediterranean oak woodlands and scrublands, particularly areas with abundant dead wood, rock crevices, and stone walls where host Temnothorax ants establish their colonies. The species requires well-preserved woodland ecosystems with minimal human disturbance to maintain stable host-parasite relationships.
