Baton Blue
VU

Baton Blue

Pseudophilotes baton

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

Pseudophilotes baton, the baton blue, is a butterfly belonging to the Lycaenidae family. It is found in central and southern Europe and then east across the Palearctic to the Russian Far East.

The Baton Blue butterfly faces significant threats from habitat loss and fragmentation due to agricultural intensification, urbanization, and changes in traditional land management practices. Climate change poses additional risks by altering the distribution and phenology of its host plants and affecting the delicate ecological relationships this specialized species depends upon.

Threat summary

Habitat

Inhabits dry calcareous grasslands, limestone slopes, rocky hillsides, and Mediterranean scrubland where its host plants in the genus Acantholimon occur. Typically found in mountainous regions and upland areas with sparse vegetation and well-drained soils.

Other threatened species in Lycaenidae

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Malva pusilla

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EN

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Baton Blue classified as Vulnerable?
Baton Blue 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 Baton Blue butterfly faces significant threats from habitat loss and fragmentation due to agricultural intensification, urbanization, and changes in traditional land management practices. Climate change poses additional risks by altering the distribution and phenology of its host plants and affecting the delicate ecological relationships this specialized species depends upon.
Where does Baton Blue live?
Baton Blue occurs in Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Armenia, and Austria (plus 51 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 Baton Blue?
The main threats to Baton Blue 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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