Spiny Elm Caterpillar
CR

Spiny Elm Caterpillar

Nymphalis antiopa

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

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

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.

Threat summary

Habitat

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.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Spiny Elm Caterpillar classified as Critically Endangered?
Spiny Elm Caterpillar is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. 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.
Where does Spiny Elm Caterpillar live?
Spiny Elm Caterpillar occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Spiny Elm Caterpillar?
The main threats to Spiny Elm Caterpillar 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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