Spiny Elm Caterpillar
Nymphalis antiopa
Conservation status data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nymphalis_antiopa
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Lepidoptera
Family
Nymphalidae
Genus
Nymphalis
Spiny Elm Caterpillar belongs to the family Nymphalidae, order Lepidoptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
Species profile data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The Spiny Elm Caterpillar faces severe population declines primarily due to widespread habitat loss from urbanization and agricultural expansion, which has eliminated many of its essential host tree populations. Climate change is altering the timing of seasonal cycles critical for reproduction and overwintering survival, while pesticide use in both agricultural and urban environments directly impacts larval development and adult survival.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Deciduous and mixed woodlands, riparian forests, parks, and suburban areas with abundant host trees including elm, willow, birch, and poplar. Adults require sunny openings and forest edges for basking and feeding on tree sap, rotting fruit, and occasionally flower nectar.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
The Spiny Elm Caterpillar faces severe population declines primarily due to widespread habitat loss from urbanization and agricultural expansion, which has eliminated many of its essential host tree populations. Climate change is altering the timing of seasonal cycles critical for reproduction and overwintering survival, while pesticide use in both agricultural and urban environments directly impacts larval development and adult survival.
Climate change disrupting seasonal timing and overwintering
Decline of host trees (elm, willow, birch) due to disease and removal
Habitat loss and fragmentation from urban development
Pesticide application in agricultural and urban areas
Light pollution affecting adult behavior and reproduction
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (CR).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Spiny Elm Caterpillar (Nymphalis antiopa). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/spiny-elm-caterpillar