Viper's Bugloss Small-mason
VU

Viper's Bugloss Small-mason

Hoplitis anthocopoides

UnknownLCEU

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

Overview

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

The Viper's Bugloss Small-mason faces severe population declines primarily due to the loss of its specialized nesting habitat and the degradation of flower-rich grasslands where its host plant, viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare), grows. Agricultural intensification and urban development have eliminated many of the sandy, well-drained soils this solitary bee requires for excavating its nesting burrows. Climate change further threatens the species by altering the flowering phenology of its primary pollen source, potentially creating mismatches between bee emergence and peak nectar availability.

Threat summary

Habitat

This specialized solitary bee inhabits warm, sandy grasslands, coastal dunes, and limestone quarries where viper's bugloss grows abundantly. It requires well-drained, south-facing slopes with sparse vegetation for nesting burrows and proximity to dense patches of its primary pollen source.

Other threatened species in Megachilidae

VU

Kirby's Lesser Mason Bee

Hoplitis leucomelana

Unknown
VU

Plain Dark-Bee

Stelis phaeoptera

Unknown
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Rufescent Sharp-tail Bee

Coelioxys rufescens

Unknown
Shiny-vented Sharp-tail BeeVU

Shiny-vented Sharp-tail Bee

Coelioxys inermis

Unknown

Threatened in Austria

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Anthophore estivaleCR

Anthophore estivale

Anthophora aestivalis

Unknown
Adonis BlueVU

Adonis Blue

Lysandra bellargus

Unknown
agnhodeedderkoppCR

agnhodeedderkopp

Walckenaeria alticeps

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Viper's Bugloss Small-mason classified as Vulnerable?
Viper's Bugloss Small-mason 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 Viper's Bugloss Small-mason faces severe population declines primarily due to the loss of its specialized nesting habitat and the degradation of flower-rich grasslands where its host plant, viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare), grows. Agricultural intensification and urban development have eliminated many of the sandy, well-drained soils this solitary bee requires for excavating its nesting burrows. Climate change further threatens the species by altering the flowering phenology of its primary pollen source, potentially creating mismatches between bee emergence and peak nectar availability.
Where does Viper's Bugloss Small-mason live?
Viper's Bugloss Small-mason occurs in Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, and Denmark (plus 18 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 Viper's Bugloss Small-mason?
The main threats to Viper's Bugloss Small-mason 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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