Saltern Dwarf
VU

Saltern Dwarf

Elachista scirpi

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Saltern Dwarf faces severe habitat loss due to coastal development and saltmarsh destruction across its limited European range. Rising sea levels and increased storm intensity threaten the specialized halophytic plant communities that support its larvae. Agricultural conversion of coastal wetlands and pollution from urban runoff further degrade the saline habitats essential for this moth's survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This specialized moth inhabits coastal saltmarshes, saline lagoons, and brackish wetlands where its larvae feed exclusively on salt-tolerant sedges and grasses. It requires undisturbed halophytic plant communities in tidal zones and salt-influenced coastal margins.

Other threatened species in Elachistidae

Elachista elegansVU

Elachista elegans

Unknown
Meadow DwarfVU

Meadow Dwarf

Elachista triatomea

Unknown
Scarce DwarfVU

Scarce Dwarf

Elachista trapeziella

Unknown
Highland DwarfVU

Highland Dwarf

Elachista eskoi

Unknown

Threatened in Austria

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
VU

Large Tree-chernes

Dendrochernes cyrneus

Unknown
VU

Olive Skipper

Pyrgus serratulae

Unknown
SandoldenborreCR

Sandoldenborre

Hoplia graminicola

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Saltern Dwarf classified as Vulnerable?
Saltern Dwarf 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 Saltern Dwarf faces severe habitat loss due to coastal development and saltmarsh destruction across its limited European range. Rising sea levels and increased storm intensity threaten the specialized halophytic plant communities that support its larvae. Agricultural conversion of coastal wetlands and pollution from urban runoff further degrade the saline habitats essential for this moth's survival.
Where does Saltern Dwarf live?
Saltern Dwarf occurs in Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, and Greece (plus 7 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 Saltern Dwarf?
The main threats to Saltern Dwarf 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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