CR

Leistus piceus

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Leistus piceus faces severe population decline due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural intensification in its limited European range. The species' specialized requirements for undisturbed forest floor microhabitats make it particularly vulnerable to fragmentation and degradation of woodland ecosystems. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture and temperature conditions essential for this ground beetle's survival and reproduction.

Threat summary

Habitat

Leistus piceus inhabits the forest floor of mature deciduous and mixed woodlands, particularly favoring areas with rich leaf litter and decaying organic matter. The species requires stable moisture conditions and is typically found under logs, stones, and within the soil-litter interface of undisturbed forest ecosystems.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Frequently asked questions

Why is Leistus piceus classified as Critically Endangered?
Leistus piceus is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Leistus piceus faces severe population decline due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural intensification in its limited European range. The species' specialized requirements for undisturbed forest floor microhabitats make it particularly vulnerable to fragmentation and degradation of woodland ecosystems. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture and temperature conditions essential for this ground beetle's survival and reproduction.
Where does Leistus piceus live?
Leistus piceus occurs in Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, China, and Croatia (plus 16 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 Leistus piceus?
The main threats to Leistus piceus 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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