Stenobothrus stigmaticus (Rambur, 1839)

Habitat:
Stenobothrus stigmaticus colonizes flat or slightly inclined, grazed nutrient-poor grasslands with low horizontal resistance (very low growing) as for example grassland plateaux. These are sometimes located on limnestone, but the habitats are often slightly acid at the surface. Stenobothrus stigmaticus also often colonizes siliceous substrates. Open soil spots as in Omocestus hemorrhoidalis or Stenobothrus nigromaculatus however, are not necessarily required. Stenobothrus stigmaticus is mostly missing in the Alps.

Life cycle:
Adults occur from late June to October. Oviposition takes place in the top soil or litter layer.

Endangerment: strongly endangered

Endangerment factors:
The vulnerability of Stenobothrus stigmaticus is based on the decline of suitable, very low growing biotopes. Without transhumance (especially sheep, but also cattle) Stenobothrus stigmaticus can not be protected. Pen areas are not an adequate substitute in the long term.

Remarks:
Stenobothrus stigmaticus occurs from Morocco and the Iberian Peninsula across central and Eastern Europe to East Asia (Mongolia, Sibiria).