Heath Earwort
Scapania irrigua
Overview
Heath Earwort (Scapania irrigua) is a small leafy liverwort characterized by its distinctive ear-shaped leaf lobes and reddish-brown to green coloration. This bryophyte forms low-growing mats or patches on acidic substrates and plays an important ecological role in nutrient cycling and providing microhabitat for invertebrates in specialized wetland ecosystems.
Heath Earwort (Scapania irrigua) is declining primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized wetland environments. Climate change and hydrological alterations are disrupting the specific moisture conditions this bryophyte requires, while pollution and eutrophication further degrade water quality in its remaining habitats.
Habitat
Heath Earwort inhabits acidic, permanently moist soils in bogs, fens, and wet heathlands, typically growing on peaty substrates along stream margins and seepage areas. It requires consistent moisture levels and clean, mineral-poor water conditions characteristic of oligotrophic wetland systems.
Other threatened species in Scapaniaceae
Threatened in Åland Islands
Frequently asked questions
Why is Heath Earwort classified as Endangered?
Where does Heath Earwort live?
What are the main threats to Heath Earwort?
Get weekly conservation intelligence
One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.
Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.