Polyergus samurai
VU

Polyergus samurai

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Polyergus samurai faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion across its native range in Japan and introduced populations in North America. The species' highly specialized parasitic lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable, as it depends entirely on enslaving specific Formica ant species to maintain its colonies. Climate change poses an additional threat by disrupting the delicate ecological balance between P. samurai and its host species, potentially causing temporal mismatches in their life cycles.

Threat summary

Habitat

Polyergus samurai inhabits open woodlands, forest edges, and grasslands where its host Formica ant species establish colonies. The species requires well-drained soils suitable for underground nesting and areas with sufficient sunlight exposure for thermoregulation.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Polyergus samurai classified as Vulnerable?
Polyergus samurai 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 samurai faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion across its native range in Japan and introduced populations in North America. The species' highly specialized parasitic lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable, as it depends entirely on enslaving specific Formica ant species to maintain its colonies. Climate change poses an additional threat by disrupting the delicate ecological balance between P. samurai and its host species, potentially causing temporal mismatches in their life cycles.
Where does Polyergus samurai live?
Polyergus samurai occurs in China, Japan, and South Korea. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Polyergus samurai?
The main threats to Polyergus samurai 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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