Fen Dwarf
Elachista pomerana
The Fen Dwarf (Elachista pomerana) is a small microlepidopteran moth with a wingspan of approximately 8-10mm, characterized by its distinctive pale golden forewings marked with subtle darker streaks. As a leaf-mining species, the larvae create characteristic serpentine mines in sedge leaves, playing a specialized role in fen ecosystem nutrient cycling and serving as prey for various insectivorous birds and spiders.
13
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elachista_pomerana
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera
Family
Elachistidae
Genus
Elachista
Fen Dwarf belongs to the family Elachistidae, order Lepidoptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
The Fen Dwarf (Elachista pomerana) is a small microlepidopteran moth with a wingspan of approximately 8-10mm, characterized by its distinctive pale golden forewings marked with subtle darker streaks. As a leaf-mining species, the larvae create characteristic serpentine mines in sedge leaves, playing a specialized role in fen ecosystem nutrient cycling and serving as prey for various insectivorous birds and spiders.
The Fen Dwarf (Elachista pomerana) is primarily threatened by habitat loss and degradation of its specialized wetland environments. Drainage of fens and marshes for agriculture and development, along with changes in water management and pollution, have significantly reduced suitable habitat for this micro-moth species.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Elachista pomerana inhabits calcareous fens and wet meadows where specific sedge species grow in waterlogged, nutrient-poor soils with high mineral content. These specialized wetland environments require consistent groundwater seepage and are typically found in valley bottoms or areas with natural springs.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
The Fen Dwarf (Elachista pomerana) is primarily threatened by habitat loss and degradation of its specialized wetland environments. Drainage of fens and marshes for agriculture and development, along with changes in water management and pollution, have significantly reduced suitable habitat for this micro-moth species.
Habitat loss through fen drainage and conversion
Water management changes affecting wetland hydrology
Agricultural intensification in surrounding areas
Climate change affecting wetland water levels
Pollution and eutrophication of wetland systems
Found in 13 Countries
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). Fen Dwarf (Elachista pomerana). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/fen-dwarf