Assessment Rationale:

This species is found on São Miguel, Terceira, São Jorge, Pico and Faial islands (extent of occurrence = 25000 km²), and is found in both endemic and secondary forests; it is relatively abundant on some islands and is not facing any major threats. Therefore it is considered as Least Concern (LC).

Geographic Range:

This species is found on São Miguel, Terceira, São Jorge, Pico and Faial islands, Azores. Morelet (1860) states that this species is spread throughout the whole archipelago, but Backhuys (1975) restricted it to São Miguel, São Jorge, Flores and Pico (the latter fide Nobre 1924). Unpublished, preliminary research has lead to restrict its distribution as presented above, but further investigation is needed to assert the taxonomical identity of the populations outside São Miguel island; the specimens from Flores appear to be a different species and will not be included in this assessment. (A. Martins pers. comm. 2010)

Population:

In São Miguel, this species is abundant throughout the island in the drier environments of forested areas, from sea cliffs to high up in the mountains. On the other islands, however, it is relatively rare, with very few known sites in Terceira, Pico and Faial, although somewhat spread in São Jorge.

Habitat and Ecology

Moreletina horripila lives in the drier portions of endemic and, most frequently, secondary forests, where it can be found under dead leaves, fallen logs as well as under loose stones.

Major Threat(s):

Due to its wide range of habitats, no threats are foreseen in the islands of São Miguel and São Jorge. Its localized distribution in Terceira, Pico and Faial makes it more vulnerable on these islands.

Conservation Actions

No conservation measures are needed for this species.