Chinese Character
VU

Chinese Character

Cilix glaucata

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cilix_glaucata

Overview

Cilix glaucata, the Chinese character, is a moth of the family Drepanidae. It was first described by the Italian physician and naturalist, Giovanni Antonio Scopoli in his 1763 Entomologia Carniolica. It is found in Europe, Asia Minor and North Africa.

The Chinese Character moth faces significant population pressures from habitat loss due to agricultural intensification and urban development, which reduces the availability of its host plants including hawthorn, blackthorn, and other Rosaceae species. Climate change and increased pesticide use in agricultural areas further threaten remaining populations across its range.

Threat summary

Habitat

Inhabits woodland edges, hedgerows, parks, gardens, and scrubland where host plants from the Rosaceae family occur, particularly areas with hawthorn, blackthorn, and wild cherry. Shows preference for semi-natural habitats with mixed vegetation structure from lowland to moderate elevations.

Other threatened species in Drepanidae

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Oak Lutestring

Cymatophorina diluta

Unknown

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Anthophore estivaleCR

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Anthophora aestivalis

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Adonis BlueVU

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Lysandra bellargus

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VU

Anthribus fasciatus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Chinese Character classified as Vulnerable?
Chinese Character is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Chinese Character moth faces significant population pressures from habitat loss due to agricultural intensification and urban development, which reduces the availability of its host plants including hawthorn, blackthorn, and other Rosaceae species. Climate change and increased pesticide use in agricultural areas further threaten remaining populations across its range.
Where does Chinese Character live?
Chinese Character occurs in Albania, Andorra, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Belgium (plus 36 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Chinese Character?
The main threats to Chinese Character are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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