Fan-bristled Robberfly
VU

Fan-bristled Robberfly

Dysmachus trigonus

Unknown

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

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Fan-bristled Robberfly faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development across its European range. Heathland and grassland conversion has eliminated critical hunting and breeding territories, while pesticide use in surrounding agricultural areas reduces prey availability and may cause direct mortality. Climate change is altering the timing of prey emergence, disrupting the species' specialized predatory behavior patterns.

Threat summary

Habitat

This robberfly inhabits open heathlands, chalk downs, and dry grasslands with sparse vegetation and exposed sandy or chalky soils. It requires areas with abundant perching sites such as low shrubs and scattered stones, combined with open ground for hunting aerial prey.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Fan-bristled Robberfly classified as Vulnerable?
Fan-bristled Robberfly 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 Fan-bristled Robberfly faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development across its European range. Heathland and grassland conversion has eliminated critical hunting and breeding territories, while pesticide use in surrounding agricultural areas reduces prey availability and may cause direct mortality. Climate change is altering the timing of prey emergence, disrupting the species' specialized predatory behavior patterns.
Where does Fan-bristled Robberfly live?
Fan-bristled Robberfly occurs in Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, and Finland (plus 16 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 Fan-bristled Robberfly?
The main threats to Fan-bristled Robberfly 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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