Little Thorn
EN

Little Thorn

Cepphis advenaria

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cepphis_advenaria

Overview

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

The Little Thorn faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat fragmentation and loss of its specialized woodland environments across its limited European range. Climate change is altering the composition of deciduous forests where this moth depends on specific host plants, while increased frequency of extreme weather events during its vulnerable larval stages further threatens population stability. Urban expansion and intensive forestry practices have eliminated many suitable breeding sites, leaving remaining populations increasingly isolated and vulnerable to local extinctions.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Little Thorn inhabits mature deciduous and mixed woodlands, particularly favoring oak-dominated forests with diverse understory vegetation. This species requires specific microhabitats with adequate moisture levels and its larval host plants, typically found in woodland edges and clearings within established forest systems.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Little Thorn classified as Endangered?
Little Thorn is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. The Little Thorn faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat fragmentation and loss of its specialized woodland environments across its limited European range. Climate change is altering the composition of deciduous forests where this moth depends on specific host plants, while increased frequency of extreme weather events during its vulnerable larval stages further threatens population stability. Urban expansion and intensive forestry practices have eliminated many suitable breeding sites, leaving remaining populations increasingly isolated and vulnerable to local extinctions.
Where does Little Thorn live?
Little Thorn occurs in Åland Islands, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, China, and Croatia (plus 31 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 Little Thorn?
The main threats to Little Thorn 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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