Itoplectis melanocephala
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Itoplectis melanocephala faces significant pressure from habitat degradation and fragmentation of its specialized forest ecosystems. As a parasitoid wasp with narrow host requirements, the species is particularly vulnerable to disruptions in the delicate ecological relationships it depends upon for reproduction. Agricultural intensification and urban development in its range have reduced suitable habitat patches, while climate change may be altering the distribution and abundance of its specific host species.
Habitat
This parasitoid wasp inhabits temperate and boreal forest ecosystems, particularly favoring areas with diverse understory vegetation that supports its lepidopteran host species. The species requires intact forest patches with sufficient canopy cover and minimal disturbance to maintain stable host-parasitoid dynamics.
Other threatened species in Ichneumonidae
Threatened in Åland Islands
Frequently asked questions
Why is Itoplectis melanocephala classified as Vulnerable?
Where does Itoplectis melanocephala live?
What are the main threats to Itoplectis melanocephala?
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