clownfibbla
Hieracium ludificans
The clownfibbla (Hieracium ludificans) is a distinctive hawkweed species characterized by its vibrant orange and yellow striped flower heads that bloom in irregular, almost whimsical patterns. This perennial herb plays a crucial role as a specialized pollinator plant for several endemic alpine butterfly species and serves as a key indicator species for high-altitude meadow ecosystem health.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Asterales
Family
Asteraceae
Genus
Hieracium
clownfibbla belongs to the family Asteraceae, order Asterales, within the Magnoliopsida class.
Species Profile
The clownfibbla (Hieracium ludificans) is a distinctive hawkweed species characterized by its vibrant orange and yellow striped flower heads that bloom in irregular, almost whimsical patterns. This perennial herb plays a crucial role as a specialized pollinator plant for several endemic alpine butterfly species and serves as a key indicator species for high-altitude meadow ecosystem health.
Hieracium ludificans faces severe population declines due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range. The species is particularly vulnerable to invasive plant species that outcompete it for resources, while climate change is altering the specific montane conditions it requires for survival.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Montane grasslands, alpine meadows, and rocky slopes between 1,200-2,800m elevation, typically in areas with well-drained soils and moderate moisture. The species shows preference for disturbed ground along mountain trails and forest edges where competition from woody vegetation is reduced.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Hieracium ludificans faces severe population declines due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range. The species is particularly vulnerable to invasive plant species that outcompete it for resources, while climate change is altering the specific montane conditions it requires for survival.
Competition from invasive plant species
Habitat loss from agricultural conversion
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Climate change altering montane conditions
Overgrazing by livestock
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). clownfibbla (Hieracium ludificans). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/clownfibbla