Sand Owlet
EN

Sand Owlet

Scythris cicadella

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Sand Owlet faces severe habitat degradation due to coastal development and sand extraction activities that destroy its specialized dune ecosystems. Climate change-induced sea level rise and increased storm intensity threaten remaining coastal habitats, while light pollution from nearby urban areas disrupts the species' nocturnal behavior patterns. Agricultural expansion into marginal sandy areas has further reduced available habitat corridors.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Sand Owlet inhabits coastal sand dunes, sandy heathlands, and dry sandy grasslands, typically in areas with sparse vegetation and exposed sandy substrates. It shows a strong preference for stabilized dune systems with scattered low shrubs and grasses that provide both shelter and foraging opportunities.

Other threatened species in Scythrididae

Scythris productellaVU

Scythris productella

Unknown
White-dusted OwletVU

White-dusted Owlet

Scythris picaepennis

Unknown
VU

Least Owlet

Scythris siccella

Unknown
Ling OwletCR

Ling Owlet

Scythris empetrella

Unknown

Threatened in Belgium

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Anthophore estivaleCR

Anthophore estivale

Anthophora aestivalis

Unknown
Adonis BlueVU

Adonis Blue

Lysandra bellargus

Unknown
agnhodeedderkoppCR

agnhodeedderkopp

Walckenaeria alticeps

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Sand Owlet classified as Endangered?
Sand Owlet is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. The Sand Owlet faces severe habitat degradation due to coastal development and sand extraction activities that destroy its specialized dune ecosystems. Climate change-induced sea level rise and increased storm intensity threaten remaining coastal habitats, while light pollution from nearby urban areas disrupts the species' nocturnal behavior patterns. Agricultural expansion into marginal sandy areas has further reduced available habitat corridors.
Where does Sand Owlet live?
Sand Owlet occurs in Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, and Latvia (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 Sand Owlet?
The main threats to Sand Owlet 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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