Sandhill Neb, Sandhill Moss-moth
VU

Sandhill Neb, Sandhill Moss-moth

Bryotropha umbrosella

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Sandhill Neb faces severe habitat degradation from agricultural intensification and urban development across its limited range in sandy heathland environments. Overgrazing by livestock has altered the moss communities that serve as the species' primary larval food source, while recreational activities and off-road vehicle use cause direct trampling damage to fragile moss beds. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that affect moss growth cycles critical for larval development.

Threat summary

Habitat

This specialized moth inhabits sandy heathlands and coastal dunes where specific moss species grow, particularly areas with well-established bryophyte communities. The species requires undisturbed sandy soils with sparse vegetation cover that supports the moss species essential for larval feeding.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Gelechiidae

EN

purpurmossmal

Bryotropha purpurella

Unknown
Pembroke NebEN

Pembroke Neb

Monochroa elongella

Unknown
EN

Caryocolum cassella

Unknown
EN

Gnorimoschema nordlandicolella

Unknown

Threatened in Åland Islands

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Scarce BlackneckCR

Scarce Blackneck

Lygephila craccae

Unknown
EN

knopphodeedderkopp

Walckenaeria nodosa

Unknown
EN

Dolichopus notatus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Sandhill Neb, Sandhill Moss-moth classified as Vulnerable?
Sandhill Neb, Sandhill Moss-moth 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 Sandhill Neb faces severe habitat degradation from agricultural intensification and urban development across its limited range in sandy heathland environments. Overgrazing by livestock has altered the moss communities that serve as the species' primary larval food source, while recreational activities and off-road vehicle use cause direct trampling damage to fragile moss beds. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that affect moss growth cycles critical for larval development.
Where does Sandhill Neb, Sandhill Moss-moth live?
Sandhill Neb, Sandhill Moss-moth occurs in Åland Islands, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, and Finland (plus 13 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 Sandhill Neb, Sandhill Moss-moth?
The main threats to Sandhill Neb, Sandhill Moss-moth 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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