Dracula aphrodes
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Dracula aphrodes faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat conversion in Ecuador's cloud forests, where its extremely limited range makes it vulnerable to any disturbance. Mining activities and agricultural expansion continue to fragment the remaining montane forest patches essential for this orchid's survival. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the precise temperature and humidity conditions required by this epiphytic species.
Habitat
This epiphytic orchid inhabits the cloud forests of Ecuador's Andes, growing on moss-covered tree branches in cool, humid montane environments between 1,800-2,400 meters elevation. It requires the specific microclimate conditions found in undisturbed cloud forest ecosystems with consistent moisture and filtered sunlight.