Zodarion italicum
CR

Zodarion italicum

Unknown

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

Overview

Zodarion italicum is a European ant-eating spider in the family Zodariidae. Like the closely related Z. hamatum, it is nocturnal and captures various ant species. Z. italicum seems to be specialized in Formicinae ants. Both species are generalized mimics of orange-dark brown ants, such as Lasius emarginatus. Body length of males is 1.6–2.9 mm (0.1–0.1 in) and of females 2.1–4.3 mm (0.1–0.2 in).

Zodarion italicum faces severe threats from habitat loss and fragmentation due to urbanization and agricultural expansion across its Mediterranean range. The species' specialized habitat requirements and limited distribution make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and human disturbance.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits Mediterranean scrubland, rocky outcrops, and dry grasslands with sparse vegetation. It typically occurs in areas with stone walls, rock crevices, and semi-arid environments characteristic of the Mediterranean basin.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Threatened in Algeria

Common Fire SalamanderVU

Common Fire Salamander

Salamandra salamandra

Declining
AoudadVU

Aoudad

Ammotragus lervia

Declining
Humped BladderwortCR

Humped Bladderwort

Utricularia gibba

Unknown
Blind SnailVU

Blind Snail

Cecilioides acicula

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Zodarion italicum classified as Critically Endangered?
Zodarion italicum 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. Zodarion italicum faces severe threats from habitat loss and fragmentation due to urbanization and agricultural expansion across its Mediterranean range. The species' specialized habitat requirements and limited distribution make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and human disturbance.
Where does Zodarion italicum live?
Zodarion italicum occurs in Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, and France (plus 9 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 Zodarion italicum?
The main threats to Zodarion italicum 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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