European Golden Digger Wasp
VU

European Golden Digger Wasp

Sphex funerarius

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Sphex funerarius faces significant population declines primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development across its European range. The species' specialized nesting requirements in sandy soils and dependence on specific grasshopper prey make it particularly vulnerable to landscape changes. Climate change may further impact prey availability and suitable nesting sites, while pesticide use in agricultural areas poses additional risks to both the wasp and its arthropod food sources.

Threat summary

Habitat

This digger wasp inhabits open sandy areas, heathlands, coastal dunes, and sparse grasslands across Europe where it can excavate burrows in loose, well-drained soils. The species requires proximity to areas with abundant grasshoppers and crickets, which serve as prey for provisioning its underground nests.

Other threatened species in Sphecidae

Podalonia luffiiVU

Podalonia luffii

Unknown

Threatened in Afghanistan

Asian HoubaraVU

Asian Houbara

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VU

Urial

Ovis vignei

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EN

Malus komarovii

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Cheilosia morio

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is European Golden Digger Wasp classified as Vulnerable?
European Golden Digger Wasp 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. Sphex funerarius faces significant population declines primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development across its European range. The species' specialized nesting requirements in sandy soils and dependence on specific grasshopper prey make it particularly vulnerable to landscape changes. Climate change may further impact prey availability and suitable nesting sites, while pesticide use in agricultural areas poses additional risks to both the wasp and its arthropod food sources.
Where does European Golden Digger Wasp live?
European Golden Digger Wasp occurs in Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Austria, and Belarus (plus 44 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 European Golden Digger Wasp?
The main threats to European Golden Digger Wasp 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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