Phytoecia virgula
CR

Phytoecia virgula

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Phytoecia virgula faces severe population decline due to the destruction and fragmentation of its specialized steppe grassland habitats across Eastern Europe. Agricultural intensification and urban development have eliminated much of the native grassland ecosystems this longhorn beetle depends on for breeding and larval development. The species' highly restricted range and specific host plant requirements make it particularly vulnerable to habitat conversion, with remaining populations increasingly isolated in small, degraded fragments.

Threat summary

Habitat

This longhorn beetle inhabits dry steppe grasslands and semi-natural meadows in Eastern Europe, particularly areas with sparse vegetation and exposed soil. The species requires specific herbaceous host plants for larval development and is typically found in undisturbed grassland ecosystems with low grazing pressure.

Other threatened species in Cerambycidae

Acmaeops septentrionisEN

Acmaeops septentrionis

Unknown
Anaglyptus gibbosusVU

Anaglyptus gibbosus

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VU

Isotomus barbarae

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VU

Leioderes kollari

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Phytoecia virgula classified as Critically Endangered?
Phytoecia virgula 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. Phytoecia virgula faces severe population decline due to the destruction and fragmentation of its specialized steppe grassland habitats across Eastern Europe. Agricultural intensification and urban development have eliminated much of the native grassland ecosystems this longhorn beetle depends on for breeding and larval development. The species' highly restricted range and specific host plant requirements make it particularly vulnerable to habitat conversion, with remaining populations increasingly isolated in small, degraded fragments.
Where does Phytoecia virgula live?
Phytoecia virgula occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Phytoecia virgula?
The main threats to Phytoecia virgula 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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