Subterranean small dung beetle
EN

Subterranean small dung beetle

Eupleurus subterraneus

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Subterranean small dung beetle faces severe threats from agricultural intensification and livestock management changes that reduce dung availability and quality. Pesticide use in cattle farming directly impacts both the beetles and their essential dung food sources, while habitat fragmentation isolates remaining populations. Climate change may alter soil moisture conditions critical for their underground lifecycle stages.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits underground burrows in sandy soils beneath cattle dung in Mediterranean grasslands and pastures. The beetles require specific soil conditions that allow for tunnel construction while maintaining access to fresh dung deposits from grazing livestock.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Subterranean small dung beetle classified as Endangered?
Subterranean small dung beetle is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. The Subterranean small dung beetle faces severe threats from agricultural intensification and livestock management changes that reduce dung availability and quality. Pesticide use in cattle farming directly impacts both the beetles and their essential dung food sources, while habitat fragmentation isolates remaining populations. Climate change may alter soil moisture conditions critical for their underground lifecycle stages.
Where does Subterranean small dung beetle live?
Subterranean small dung beetle occurs in Afghanistan, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, and Croatia (plus 27 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 Subterranean small dung beetle?
The main threats to Subterranean small dung beetle 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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