Worcester Crest
EN

Worcester Crest

Dichomeris ustalella

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Worcester Crest faces severe habitat degradation from urban development and agricultural intensification across its limited range in the northeastern United States. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the phenology of its host plants, disrupting critical breeding cycles. Light pollution from expanding suburban areas interferes with the species' nocturnal behavior patterns, while pesticide use in agricultural areas directly impacts both adult moths and their larval food sources.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Worcester Crest inhabits deciduous and mixed woodlands, particularly areas with oak and maple species that serve as larval host plants. It also occurs in woodland edges, parks, and suburban areas with mature tree cover, typically at elevations below 500 meters.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Gelechiidae

Gnorimoschema herbichiiVU

Gnorimoschema herbichii

Unknown
Dichomeris limosellusVU

Dichomeris limosellus

Unknown
Caryocolum amaurellaVU

Caryocolum amaurella

Unknown
VU

Sophronia gelidella

Unknown

Threatened in Austria

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
EN

Lyophyllum deliberatum

Unknown
VU

Large Tree-chernes

Dendrochernes cyrneus

Unknown
EN

Pipizella nigriana

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Worcester Crest classified as Endangered?
Worcester Crest 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 Worcester Crest faces severe habitat degradation from urban development and agricultural intensification across its limited range in the northeastern United States. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the phenology of its host plants, disrupting critical breeding cycles. Light pollution from expanding suburban areas interferes with the species' nocturnal behavior patterns, while pesticide use in agricultural areas directly impacts both adult moths and their larval food sources.
Where does Worcester Crest live?
Worcester Crest occurs in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, and Czechia (plus 23 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 Worcester Crest?
The main threats to Worcester Crest 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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