VU

Sheep's Bit Dufourea

Dufourea halictula

UnknownNTEU

Overview

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

Sheep's Bit Dufourea faces severe population declines primarily due to the loss of its specialized nesting habitat in sandy soils and the disappearance of its host plant, sheep's bit scabious (Jasione montana). Agricultural intensification and urban development have eliminated many of the coastal dunes, heathlands, and sandy grasslands where this solitary bee historically nested. The species' narrow ecological requirements make it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, as isolated populations struggle to maintain genetic diversity and recolonize suitable areas.

Threat summary

Habitat

This specialized solitary bee inhabits coastal dunes, sandy heathlands, and calcareous grasslands where its host plant sheep's bit scabious grows abundantly. The species requires areas with exposed sandy soil for nest construction, typically in sunny, well-drained locations with sparse vegetation cover.

Other threatened species in Halictidae

Shiny DufoureaCR

Shiny Dufourea

Dufourea minuta

Unknown
VU

Red-tailed Blood Bee

Sphecodes rubicundus

Unknown
VU

Yellow Footed Mining Bee

Lasioglossum xanthopus

Unknown
VU

Short-horned Furrow Bee

Lasioglossum brevicorne

Unknown

Threatened in Austria

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
VU

Large Tree-chernes

Dendrochernes cyrneus

Unknown
VU

Olive Skipper

Pyrgus serratulae

Unknown
SandoldenborreCR

Sandoldenborre

Hoplia graminicola

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Sheep's Bit Dufourea classified as Vulnerable?
Sheep's Bit Dufourea 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. Sheep's Bit Dufourea faces severe population declines primarily due to the loss of its specialized nesting habitat in sandy soils and the disappearance of its host plant, sheep's bit scabious (Jasione montana). Agricultural intensification and urban development have eliminated many of the coastal dunes, heathlands, and sandy grasslands where this solitary bee historically nested. The species' narrow ecological requirements make it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, as isolated populations struggle to maintain genetic diversity and recolonize suitable areas.
Where does Sheep's Bit Dufourea live?
Sheep's Bit Dufourea occurs in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, and Germany (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 Sheep's Bit Dufourea?
The main threats to Sheep's Bit Dufourea 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.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.