Formicoxenus nitidulus
VU

Formicoxenus nitidulus

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Formicoxenus nitidulus faces significant threats from habitat fragmentation and degradation of old-growth forests where its host ant species reside. Climate change poses additional risks by altering forest composition and potentially disrupting the delicate ecological relationships between this parasitic ant and its Formica hosts. The species' highly specialized lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes that affect host ant populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits mature coniferous and mixed forests, particularly those dominated by spruce and fir trees. It lives as a social parasite in the nests of Formica ants, requiring specific forest conditions that support stable host ant colonies.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Formicoxenus nitidulus classified as Vulnerable?
Formicoxenus nitidulus 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. Formicoxenus nitidulus faces significant threats from habitat fragmentation and degradation of old-growth forests where its host ant species reside. Climate change poses additional risks by altering forest composition and potentially disrupting the delicate ecological relationships between this parasitic ant and its Formica hosts. The species' highly specialized lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes that affect host ant populations.
Where does Formicoxenus nitidulus live?
Formicoxenus nitidulus occurs in Åland Islands, Austria, Belgium, China, Croatia, and Czechia (plus 20 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 Formicoxenus nitidulus?
The main threats to Formicoxenus nitidulus 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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