False Grayling
VU

False Grayling

Arethusana arethusa

UnknownLCEULCEU

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

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The False Grayling faces severe population declines across its European range due to habitat degradation and fragmentation of its specialized grassland environments. Agricultural intensification has eliminated many traditional grazing systems that maintained the short, sparse vegetation this butterfly requires for breeding. Climate change poses an additional threat, as warming temperatures push suitable habitat to higher elevations where fragmented populations become increasingly isolated and vulnerable to local extinctions.

Threat summary

Habitat

The False Grayling inhabits dry, calcareous grasslands and rocky slopes with sparse vegetation, typically found in mountainous regions of southern and central Europe. It requires areas with short grass interspersed with bare ground patches, often maintained by traditional extensive grazing systems.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is False Grayling classified as Vulnerable?
False Grayling 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 False Grayling faces severe population declines across its European range due to habitat degradation and fragmentation of its specialized grassland environments. Agricultural intensification has eliminated many traditional grazing systems that maintained the short, sparse vegetation this butterfly requires for breeding. Climate change poses an additional threat, as warming temperatures push suitable habitat to higher elevations where fragmented populations become increasingly isolated and vulnerable to local extinctions.
Where does False Grayling live?
False Grayling occurs in Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, and Belarus (plus 30 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 False Grayling?
The main threats to False Grayling 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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