VU

Sandrunner

Sciocoris cursitans

Unknown

Overview

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

The Sandrunner faces severe habitat degradation from agricultural intensification and urban development across its Mediterranean range. Overgrazing by livestock has eliminated the sparse vegetation cover essential for this ground-dwelling bug's survival, while pesticide use in adjacent agricultural areas has reduced prey availability and caused direct mortality. Climate change is intensifying drought conditions in its already arid habitats, further restricting suitable microhabitats.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Sandrunner inhabits dry, sandy soils and sparse grasslands in Mediterranean coastal regions, particularly favoring areas with scattered low vegetation and exposed ground. It requires specific microhabitats with loose, well-drained substrates that allow for its characteristic rapid movement and burrowing behavior.

Other threatened species in Pentatomidae

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Eurydema dominulus

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Aelia rostrataCR

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Stagonomus bipunctatus

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Threatened in Afghanistan

Calidris ferrugineaVU

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EN

Malus komarovii

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Sandrunner classified as Vulnerable?
Sandrunner 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 Sandrunner faces severe habitat degradation from agricultural intensification and urban development across its Mediterranean range. Overgrazing by livestock has eliminated the sparse vegetation cover essential for this ground-dwelling bug's survival, while pesticide use in adjacent agricultural areas has reduced prey availability and caused direct mortality. Climate change is intensifying drought conditions in its already arid habitats, further restricting suitable microhabitats.
Where does Sandrunner live?
Sandrunner occurs in Afghanistan, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Croatia (plus 27 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 Sandrunner?
The main threats to Sandrunner 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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