Sainfoin Piercer
Grapholita caecana
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The Sainfoin Piercer faces severe population declines primarily due to the widespread loss of traditional hay meadows and sainfoin cultivation across Europe. Agricultural intensification has eliminated much of its specialized host plant habitat, while the shift away from sainfoin as a forage crop has further reduced available breeding sites. Climate change may be altering the synchronization between the moth's life cycle and its host plant's flowering periods.
Habitat
This specialized moth inhabits traditional hay meadows, chalk downs, and limestone grasslands where its host plant sainfoin (Onobrychis species) grows naturally or is cultivated. It requires areas with diverse wildflower communities and minimal agricultural disturbance during its breeding season.
Other threatened species in Tortricidae
Threatened in Austria
Frequently asked questions
Why is Sainfoin Piercer classified as Vulnerable?
Where does Sainfoin Piercer live?
What are the main threats to Sainfoin Piercer?
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.