Sphex funerarius
VU

Sphex funerarius

Local name: gräshoppsstekel

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

duinaardrupsendoderVU

duinaardrupsendoder

Podalonia luffii

Unknown

Threatened in Afghanistan

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
small mallowVU

small mallow

Malva pusilla

Unknown
Tiger SawgillCR

Tiger Sawgill

Lentinus tigrinus

Unknown
EN

Malus komarovii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is gräshoppsstekel classified as Vulnerable?
gräshoppsstekel 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 gräshoppsstekel live?
gräshoppsstekel 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 gräshoppsstekel?
The main threats to gräshoppsstekel 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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