Harpagoxenus sublaevis
VU

Harpagoxenus sublaevis

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Harpagoxenus sublaevis faces significant threats from habitat fragmentation and loss of suitable nesting sites in its specialized woodland environments. As a socially parasitic ant species that depends on specific host ant colonies, disruption to forest ecosystems directly impacts both the parasite and its hosts. Climate change poses additional risks by altering the delicate ecological balance required for successful parasitic relationships and potentially shifting the geographic ranges of both predator and prey species.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits deciduous and mixed forests across Europe, particularly favoring woodland areas with well-established ant communities that serve as hosts for its parasitic lifestyle. It requires mature forest ecosystems with suitable microhabitats for both nesting and the complex social interactions necessary for its survival as a slave-making ant.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Leptothorax duloticus

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Manica parasitica

Unknown

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Haplodrassus cognatusCR

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Yellow-breasted BuntingCR

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Emberiza aureola

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Harpagoxenus sublaevis classified as Vulnerable?
Harpagoxenus sublaevis 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. Harpagoxenus sublaevis faces significant threats from habitat fragmentation and loss of suitable nesting sites in its specialized woodland environments. As a socially parasitic ant species that depends on specific host ant colonies, disruption to forest ecosystems directly impacts both the parasite and its hosts. Climate change poses additional risks by altering the delicate ecological balance required for successful parasitic relationships and potentially shifting the geographic ranges of both predator and prey species.
Where does Harpagoxenus sublaevis live?
Harpagoxenus sublaevis occurs in Åland Islands, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, and Finland (plus 10 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 Harpagoxenus sublaevis?
The main threats to Harpagoxenus sublaevis 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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