Square Spot
VU

Square Spot

Paradarisa consonaria

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Square Spot moth faces significant pressure from habitat degradation across its European range, particularly through intensive agricultural practices and urban development that fragment its woodland and scrubland habitats. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the phenology of its host plants and shifting suitable habitat zones northward faster than the species can adapt. Light pollution from expanding urban areas disrupts the moth's nocturnal behavior patterns, affecting mating success and population connectivity.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Square Spot inhabits deciduous and mixed woodlands, woodland edges, and scrubland areas across Europe, particularly favoring areas with diverse understory vegetation. Adults are typically found in habitats supporting their larval host plants, including various herbaceous species in forest clearings and semi-natural grasslands adjacent to wooded areas.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Square Spot classified as Vulnerable?
Square Spot 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 Square Spot moth faces significant pressure from habitat degradation across its European range, particularly through intensive agricultural practices and urban development that fragment its woodland and scrubland habitats. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the phenology of its host plants and shifting suitable habitat zones northward faster than the species can adapt. Light pollution from expanding urban areas disrupts the moth's nocturnal behavior patterns, affecting mating success and population connectivity.
Where does Square Spot live?
Square Spot occurs in Åland Islands, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and China (plus 32 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 Square Spot?
The main threats to Square Spot 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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