Scarce Blackneck
Lygephila craccae
Conservation status data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
49
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera
Family
Erebidae
Genus
Lygephila
Scarce Blackneck belongs to the family Erebidae, order Lepidoptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
Species profile data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The Scarce Blackneck faces severe population declines due to widespread habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urbanization across its range. Climate change is altering the distribution and phenology of its host plants, disrupting critical breeding cycles. The species' specialized ecological requirements and fragmented populations make it particularly vulnerable to local extinctions.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Inhabits grasslands, meadows, and woodland edges where its primary host plants including vetches (Vicia species) and other legumes occur. Prefers semi-natural habitats with diverse herbaceous vegetation, particularly areas with traditional extensive grazing or low-intensity agricultural management.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
The Scarce Blackneck faces severe population declines due to widespread habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urbanization across its range. Climate change is altering the distribution and phenology of its host plants, disrupting critical breeding cycles. The species' specialized ecological requirements and fragmented populations make it particularly vulnerable to local extinctions.
Agricultural intensification and pesticide use
Climate change impacts on host plant availability
Habitat fragmentation and loss
Light pollution disrupting nocturnal behavior
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Found in 49 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Scarce Blackneck (Lygephila craccae). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/scarce-blackneck