Phyllodesma ilicifolia
VU

Phyllodesma ilicifolia

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Phyllodesma ilicifolia faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion across its Mediterranean range. The species' dependence on specific oak woodland ecosystems makes it particularly vulnerable to fragmentation, while climate change is altering the distribution and phenology of its host plants. Fire suppression policies have also reduced the natural fire cycles that maintain the open oak habitats this moth requires for breeding.

Threat summary

Habitat

This moth inhabits Mediterranean oak woodlands and scrublands, particularly areas dominated by holm oak (Quercus ilex) and other evergreen oak species. It requires open to semi-open woodland habitats with scattered mature oak trees that serve as host plants for its larvae.

Other threatened species in LASIOCAMPIDAE

VU

Malacosoma laurae

Unknown
EN

Eriogaster arbusculae

Declining

Threatened in Austria

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
EN

Lyophyllum deliberatum

Unknown
VU

Large Tree-chernes

Dendrochernes cyrneus

Unknown
EN

Pipizella nigriana

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Phyllodesma ilicifolia classified as Vulnerable?
Phyllodesma ilicifolia 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. Phyllodesma ilicifolia faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion across its Mediterranean range. The species' dependence on specific oak woodland ecosystems makes it particularly vulnerable to fragmentation, while climate change is altering the distribution and phenology of its host plants. Fire suppression policies have also reduced the natural fire cycles that maintain the open oak habitats this moth requires for breeding.
Where does Phyllodesma ilicifolia live?
Phyllodesma ilicifolia occurs in Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, and Denmark (plus 23 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 Phyllodesma ilicifolia?
The main threats to Phyllodesma ilicifolia 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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