kwelderkaardertje
Argenna patula
The kwelderkaardertje (Argenna patula) is a small, delicate moth species characterized by its pale forewings with distinctive dark markings and a wingspan of approximately 15-18mm. This nocturnal lepidopteran plays a crucial role as both a pollinator of salt-tolerant plants during its adult stage and as a herbivore in its larval form, helping maintain the delicate balance of coastal plant communities.
15
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Family
Dictynidae
Genus
Argenna
kwelderkaardertje belongs to the family Dictynidae, order Araneae, within the Arachnida class.
Species Profile
The kwelderkaardertje (Argenna patula) is a small, delicate moth species characterized by its pale forewings with distinctive dark markings and a wingspan of approximately 15-18mm. This nocturnal lepidopteran plays a crucial role as both a pollinator of salt-tolerant plants during its adult stage and as a herbivore in its larval form, helping maintain the delicate balance of coastal plant communities.
The kwelderkaardertje (Argenna patula) is critically endangered primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized salt marsh environments. Coastal development, sea level rise, and changes in water management have severely reduced the availability of suitable breeding and foraging habitats. The species' extremely limited range and small population size make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and local extinctions.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Argenna patula inhabits salt marshes and tidal mudflats along temperate coastlines, particularly areas where glasswort and sea aster grow in the transition zones between high tide marks and terrestrial vegetation. The species requires specific microhabitats with particular salinity levels and seasonal flooding patterns that support its host plants.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
The kwelderkaardertje (Argenna patula) is critically endangered primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized salt marsh environments. Coastal development, sea level rise, and changes in water management have severely reduced the availability of suitable breeding and foraging habitats. The species' extremely limited range and small population size make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and local extinctions.
Coastal development and urbanization
Habitat loss and degradation of salt marshes
Sea level rise and coastal erosion
Small population size and limited range
Changes in water management and hydrology
Found in 15 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). kwelderkaardertje (Argenna patula). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/kwelderkaardertje