VU

Pygmy Elm Bark Beetle

Scolytus pygmaeus

Unknown

Overview

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

The Pygmy Elm Bark Beetle faces severe population declines primarily due to the widespread loss of its host elm trees from Dutch elm disease, which has devastated elm populations across Europe and North America since the mid-20th century. Urban development and forest management practices that remove dead or diseased elm wood further reduce available breeding habitat. Climate change may alter the distribution and health of remaining elm populations, potentially disrupting the beetle's specialized ecological relationships.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Pygmy Elm Bark Beetle inhabits the bark and wood of elm trees (Ulmus species), particularly favoring dead, dying, or stressed trees where it creates galleries for breeding. It is typically found in both urban and woodland environments where elm trees are present, including parks, hedgerows, and mixed deciduous forests.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Curculionidae

strandsenapvivelCR

strandsenapvivel

Ceutorhynchus scapularis

Unknown
VU

lusernvivel

Sitona humeralis

Unknown
VU

Bradybatus kellneri

Unknown
VU

Sea-wormwood Weevil

Polydrusus pulchellus

Unknown

Threatened in Austria

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Anthophore estivaleCR

Anthophore estivale

Anthophora aestivalis

Unknown
Adonis BlueVU

Adonis Blue

Lysandra bellargus

Unknown
agnhodeedderkoppCR

agnhodeedderkopp

Walckenaeria alticeps

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Pygmy Elm Bark Beetle classified as Vulnerable?
Pygmy Elm Bark Beetle 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. The Pygmy Elm Bark Beetle faces severe population declines primarily due to the widespread loss of its host elm trees from Dutch elm disease, which has devastated elm populations across Europe and North America since the mid-20th century. Urban development and forest management practices that remove dead or diseased elm wood further reduce available breeding habitat. Climate change may alter the distribution and health of remaining elm populations, potentially disrupting the beetle's specialized ecological relationships.
Where does Pygmy Elm Bark Beetle live?
Pygmy Elm Bark Beetle occurs in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, and France (plus 16 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Pygmy Elm Bark Beetle?
The main threats to Pygmy Elm Bark Beetle 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.

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.