Strongylognathus testaceus
CR

Strongylognathus testaceus

Unknown

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

Overview

Strongylognathus testaceus is a species of slave-making ant in the subfamily Myrmicinae. The species is known from Europe and the Caucasus.

Strongylognathus testaceus faces severe population declines due to habitat destruction and fragmentation of its specialized nesting sites. As a slave-making ant species with highly specific ecological requirements, it is particularly vulnerable to environmental changes that disrupt both its own colonies and those of its host species. The species' limited dispersal ability and dependence on specific host ant populations make recovery extremely difficult once local extinctions occur.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits dry grasslands, heathlands, and sandy soils in open woodland areas, typically in warm, well-drained locations. It requires specific microhabitat conditions that support both its own colonies and those of its host ant species, particularly Tetramorium species.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Strongylognathus kratochvili

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Strongylognathus testaceus classified as Critically Endangered?
Strongylognathus testaceus is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Strongylognathus testaceus faces severe population declines due to habitat destruction and fragmentation of its specialized nesting sites. As a slave-making ant species with highly specific ecological requirements, it is particularly vulnerable to environmental changes that disrupt both its own colonies and those of its host species. The species' limited dispersal ability and dependence on specific host ant populations make recovery extremely difficult once local extinctions occur.
Where does Strongylognathus testaceus live?
Strongylognathus testaceus occurs in Andorra, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, and France (plus 15 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 Strongylognathus testaceus?
The main threats to Strongylognathus testaceus 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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