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Grove Earwort

Scapania nemorea

UnknownLCEULCEU

Overview

Grove Earwort (Scapania nemorea) is a small leafy liverwort characterized by its distinctive two-lobed leaves where the smaller dorsal lobe overlaps the larger ventral lobe, creating a characteristic 'earwort' appearance. This bryophyte typically forms loose patches or scattered shoots on acidic substrates and plays an important ecological role in forest ecosystems by contributing to nutrient cycling and providing microhabitat for invertebrates.

Grove Earwort (Scapania nemorea) is declining primarily due to habitat loss and degradation from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urban development. The species is also threatened by air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition, and climate change impacts that alter moisture regimes in its specialized woodland habitats.

Threat summary

Habitat

Grove Earwort inhabits the bark of deciduous trees, rotting logs, and acidic soil in mature woodlands, particularly favoring shaded areas with high humidity. It is most commonly found in ancient forests and well-established woodland areas where stable microclimatic conditions persist.

Other threatened species in Scapaniaceae

Untidy EarwortCR

Untidy Earwort

Scapania cuspiduligera

Unknown
VU

Water Earwort

Scapania undulata

Unknown
Lesser Rough EarwortCR

Lesser Rough Earwort

Scapania aequiloba

Unknown
VU

Least Earwort

Scapania curta

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Grove Earwort classified as Endangered?
Grove Earwort is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Grove Earwort (Scapania nemorea) is declining primarily due to habitat loss and degradation from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urban development. The species is also threatened by air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition, and climate change impacts that alter moisture regimes in its specialized woodland habitats.
Where does Grove Earwort live?
Grove Earwort occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Grove Earwort?
The main threats to Grove Earwort 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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