Protaetia sardea
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Protaetia sardea faces significant pressure from habitat degradation across its Mediterranean range, particularly through agricultural intensification and urban development that fragments its woodland habitats. The species is vulnerable to collection pressure for the beetle trade, as its distinctive metallic coloration makes it attractive to collectors. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the temperature and moisture regimes of the oak and cork oak forests where this scarab beetle completes its lifecycle.
Habitat
Protaetia sardea inhabits Mediterranean oak woodlands, cork oak forests, and mixed deciduous forests, particularly favoring areas with abundant dead wood and organic matter. The species requires mature trees for breeding sites and is associated with warm, semi-arid Mediterranean climates across its range in Sardinia, Corsica, and parts of mainland Italy.
Other threatened species in Scarabaeidae
Threatened in France
Frequently asked questions
Why is Protaetia sardea classified as Vulnerable?
Where does Protaetia sardea live?
What are the main threats to Protaetia sardea?
Get weekly conservation intelligence
One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.
Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.