Pyrausta aerealis
VU

Pyrausta aerealis

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Pyrausta aerealis faces significant pressure from agricultural intensification and the widespread use of pesticides across its European range. Habitat fragmentation due to urbanization and changes in traditional farming practices has reduced the availability of suitable grassland and meadow environments where its host plants thrive. Climate change is altering the distribution and phenology of both the moth and its larval food sources, creating temporal mismatches that affect reproductive success.

Threat summary

Habitat

This moth species inhabits open grasslands, meadows, and agricultural margins across Europe, particularly favoring areas with diverse herbaceous vegetation. The larvae feed on various grass species and low-growing plants in sunny, well-drained locations.

Other threatened species in Crambidae

Yellow Grass-veneerVU

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Silver-barred SableVU

Silver-barred Sable

Pyrausta cingulata

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Pyrausta porphyralisVU

Pyrausta porphyralis

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Threatened in Åland Islands

Scarce BlackneckCR

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Lygephila craccae

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EN

Dolichopus notatus

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Haplodrassus cognatusCR

Haplodrassus cognatus

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Yellow-breasted BuntingCR

Yellow-breasted Bunting

Emberiza aureola

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Pyrausta aerealis classified as Vulnerable?
Pyrausta aerealis 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. Pyrausta aerealis faces significant pressure from agricultural intensification and the widespread use of pesticides across its European range. Habitat fragmentation due to urbanization and changes in traditional farming practices has reduced the availability of suitable grassland and meadow environments where its host plants thrive. Climate change is altering the distribution and phenology of both the moth and its larval food sources, creating temporal mismatches that affect reproductive success.
Where does Pyrausta aerealis live?
Pyrausta aerealis occurs in Åland Islands, Andorra, Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, and Estonia (plus 23 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 Pyrausta aerealis?
The main threats to Pyrausta aerealis 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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