Sloe midget
VU

Sloe midget

Phyllonorycter spinicolella

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Sloe midget faces severe habitat loss due to the decline of its host plant, blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), through agricultural intensification and hedgerow removal across Europe. Urban development and changes in land management practices have fragmented the remaining suitable habitats. Climate change may further stress both the moth and its host plant, potentially disrupting the synchronized timing of larval development with leaf emergence.

Threat summary

Habitat

This microlepidopteran species is strictly associated with blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) hedgerows, woodland edges, and scrubland where its larvae mine the leaves. It requires well-established blackthorn stands in semi-natural habitats, particularly favoring sunny, sheltered locations with mature hedgerow systems.

Other threatened species in Gracillariidae

VU

Gracillaria loriolella

Unknown
Vetch midgetVU

Vetch midget

Phyllonorycter nigrescentella

Unknown
Grijze populierenvouwmotVU

Grijze populierenvouwmot

Phyllonorycter populifoliella

Unknown
Sandhill midgetVU

Sandhill midget

Phyllonorycter quinqueguttella

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 Sloe midget classified as Vulnerable?
Sloe midget 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 Sloe midget faces severe habitat loss due to the decline of its host plant, blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), through agricultural intensification and hedgerow removal across Europe. Urban development and changes in land management practices have fragmented the remaining suitable habitats. Climate change may further stress both the moth and its host plant, potentially disrupting the synchronized timing of larval development with leaf emergence.
Where does Sloe midget live?
Sloe midget occurs in Åland Islands, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, and Denmark (plus 18 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 Sloe midget?
The main threats to Sloe midget 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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