Small Grass Emerald
VU

Small Grass Emerald

Chlorissa viridata

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Small Grass Emerald faces significant pressure from agricultural intensification and grassland conversion, which destroys the species' preferred calcareous grassland habitats. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the composition of plant communities that support its larval food plants, while habitat fragmentation isolates remaining populations and reduces genetic diversity.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Small Grass Emerald inhabits calcareous grasslands, chalk downs, and limestone areas with short, herb-rich turf. It requires areas with wild thyme and other low-growing plants that serve as larval food sources, typically in well-drained, sunny locations with traditional grazing management.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Small Grass Emerald classified as Vulnerable?
Small Grass Emerald 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 Small Grass Emerald faces significant pressure from agricultural intensification and grassland conversion, which destroys the species' preferred calcareous grassland habitats. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the composition of plant communities that support its larval food plants, while habitat fragmentation isolates remaining populations and reduces genetic diversity.
Where does Small Grass Emerald live?
Small Grass Emerald occurs in Åland Islands, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, and Bulgaria (plus 39 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 Small Grass Emerald?
The main threats to Small Grass Emerald 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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