Lesser Rough Earwort
Scapania aequiloba
The Lesser Rough Earwort (Scapania aequiloba) is a small leafy liverwort characterized by its distinctive bilobed leaves where the upper lobe is typically smaller than the lower lobe, giving it a characteristic asymmetrical appearance. This bryophyte forms small patches or scattered shoots on its substrate and plays an important ecological role in nutrient cycling and providing microhabitat for invertebrates in specialized environments.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Marchantiophyta
Class
Jungermanniopsida
Order
Jungermanniales
Family
Scapaniaceae
Genus
Scapania
Lesser Rough Earwort belongs to the family Scapaniaceae, order Jungermanniales, within the Jungermanniopsida class.
Species Profile
The Lesser Rough Earwort (Scapania aequiloba) is a small leafy liverwort characterized by its distinctive bilobed leaves where the upper lobe is typically smaller than the lower lobe, giving it a characteristic asymmetrical appearance. This bryophyte forms small patches or scattered shoots on its substrate and plays an important ecological role in nutrient cycling and providing microhabitat for invertebrates in specialized environments.
Lesser Rough Earwort (Scapania aequiloba) is critically endangered primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized wetland environments. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for this bryophyte's survival. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to local environmental changes and human disturbances.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Scapania aequiloba typically grows on damp, shaded rock faces, particularly on acidic substrates such as sandstone outcrops and rocky crevices in upland areas. It favors locations with consistent moisture levels, often found in sheltered gorges, alongside streams, or on north-facing rock surfaces where it can avoid direct sunlight while maintaining adequate humidity.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Lesser Rough Earwort (Scapania aequiloba) is critically endangered primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized wetland environments. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for this bryophyte's survival. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to local environmental changes and human disturbances.
Climate change impacts on moisture availability
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Water regime changes and drainage
Human disturbance and trampling
Pollution and eutrophication
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (CR).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
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
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Lesser Rough Earwort (Scapania aequiloba). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/lesser-rough-earwort