Oxyepoecus inquilinus
VU

Oxyepoecus inquilinus

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Oxyepoecus inquilinus faces severe threats from habitat destruction as Atlantic Forest fragments continue to be cleared for agriculture and urban development. As a specialized inquiline ant that depends on specific host species, this species is particularly vulnerable to ecosystem disruption that affects its complex ecological relationships. The fragmentation of remaining forest patches isolates populations and reduces the availability of suitable host colonies, creating cascading effects throughout its reproductive cycle.

Threat summary

Habitat

This specialized ant species inhabits the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil, where it lives as an inquiline within the nests of other ant species. It requires intact forest ecosystems with stable host ant populations and appropriate microhabitat conditions for its complex social parasitic lifestyle.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Oxyepoecus inquilinus classified as Vulnerable?
Oxyepoecus inquilinus is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Oxyepoecus inquilinus faces severe threats from habitat destruction as Atlantic Forest fragments continue to be cleared for agriculture and urban development. As a specialized inquiline ant that depends on specific host species, this species is particularly vulnerable to ecosystem disruption that affects its complex ecological relationships. The fragmentation of remaining forest patches isolates populations and reduces the availability of suitable host colonies, creating cascading effects throughout its reproductive cycle.
Where does Oxyepoecus inquilinus live?
Oxyepoecus inquilinus occurs in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Paraguay. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Oxyepoecus inquilinus?
The main threats to Oxyepoecus inquilinus 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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