Curve-stalked Feather-moss
Rhynchostegiella curviseta
Curve-stalked Feather-moss is a small bryophyte characterized by its distinctive curved setae (stalks) that support the spore capsules, giving the species its common name. This delicate moss forms loose, feathery mats with finely branched stems and narrow, pointed leaves that create an intricate lacework pattern.
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Bertrand M, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Bertrand M
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Bryophyta
Class
Bryopsida
Order
Hypnales
Family
Brachytheciaceae
Genus
Rhynchostegiella
Curve-stalked Feather-moss belongs to the family Brachytheciaceae, order Hypnales, within the Bryopsida class.
Species Profile
Curve-stalked Feather-moss is a small bryophyte characterized by its distinctive curved setae (stalks) that support the spore capsules, giving the species its common name. This delicate moss forms loose, feathery mats with finely branched stems and narrow, pointed leaves that create an intricate lacework pattern. As a pioneer species, it plays a crucial role in soil stabilization and provides microhabitat for invertebrates in early successional environments.
Curve-stalked Feather-moss is critically endangered due to its extremely limited distribution and vulnerability to habitat degradation. The species faces severe threats from human activities that alter its specialized microhabitat requirements, particularly in coastal and rocky environments where it occurs.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Curve-stalked Feather-moss typically colonizes disturbed calcareous soils, particularly on exposed clay banks, roadside cuts, and quarry edges where competition from vascular plants is minimal. The species shows a strong preference for slightly alkaline substrates with intermittent moisture availability and partial shade conditions.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Curve-stalked Feather-moss is critically endangered due to its extremely limited distribution and vulnerability to habitat degradation. The species faces severe threats from human activities that alter its specialized microhabitat requirements, particularly in coastal and rocky environments where it occurs.
Climate change and sea level rise
Coastal development and urbanization
Habitat loss and degradation
Pollution and eutrophication
Trampling and recreational disturbance
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (CR).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | 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
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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
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Curve-stalked Feather-moss (Rhynchostegiella curviseta). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/curve-stalked-feather-moss