Polyergus nigerrimus
VU

Polyergus nigerrimus

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Polyergus nigerrimus faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat fragmentation and loss of suitable nesting sites in its specialized prairie and grassland ecosystems. The species' obligate social parasitic lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable, as it depends entirely on host Formica ant colonies for reproduction and survival. Agricultural conversion and urban development have eliminated much of its native habitat, while climate change is altering the distribution patterns of both the species and its essential host ants.

Threat summary

Habitat

Polyergus nigerrimus inhabits open grasslands, prairies, and meadow edges where its host Formica ant species maintain established colonies. The species requires well-drained soils and areas with moderate vegetation cover that support both nesting sites and the complex social parasitic relationships essential to its lifecycle.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Polyergus nigerrimus classified as Vulnerable?
Polyergus nigerrimus 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. Polyergus nigerrimus faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat fragmentation and loss of suitable nesting sites in its specialized prairie and grassland ecosystems. The species' obligate social parasitic lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable, as it depends entirely on host Formica ant colonies for reproduction and survival. Agricultural conversion and urban development have eliminated much of its native habitat, while climate change is altering the distribution patterns of both the species and its essential host ants.
Where does Polyergus nigerrimus live?
Polyergus nigerrimus occurs in China, Mongolia, and Russia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Polyergus nigerrimus?
The main threats to Polyergus nigerrimus 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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