Sheep's-bit Conch
VU

Sheep's-bit Conch

Clepsis pallidana

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Sheep's-bit Conch faces significant pressure from habitat degradation caused by agricultural intensification and changes in grassland management practices. Overgrazing and the conversion of traditional hay meadows to intensive pasture systems have reduced the availability of its host plants, particularly sheep's-bit scabious. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that affect the moisture levels critical for this species' larval development.

Threat summary

Habitat

This moth species inhabits chalk downs, limestone grasslands, and coastal clifftops where its primary host plant, sheep's-bit scabious (Jasione montana), grows abundantly. It shows a strong preference for well-drained calcareous soils and areas with short, flower-rich turf typical of traditional extensive grazing systems.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Tortricidae

May ShadeEN

May Shade

Cnephasia communana

Unknown
Liquorice PiercerVU

Liquorice Piercer

Grapholita pallifrontana

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Short-barred Yellow ConchVU

Short-barred Yellow Conch

Aethes dilucidana

Unknown
Cochylidia moguntianaVU

Cochylidia moguntiana

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 Sheep's-bit Conch classified as Vulnerable?
Sheep's-bit Conch 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 Sheep's-bit Conch faces significant pressure from habitat degradation caused by agricultural intensification and changes in grassland management practices. Overgrazing and the conversion of traditional hay meadows to intensive pasture systems have reduced the availability of its host plants, particularly sheep's-bit scabious. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that affect the moisture levels critical for this species' larval development.
Where does Sheep's-bit Conch live?
Sheep's-bit Conch occurs in Åland Islands, Albania, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Belgium (plus 33 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 Sheep's-bit Conch?
The main threats to Sheep's-bit Conch 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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