Iolas Blue
VU

Iolas Blue

Iolana iolas

UnknownNTEUNTEU

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

Overview

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

The Iolas Blue faces severe decline primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development across its Mediterranean range. Overgrazing by livestock has degraded the flower-rich grasslands essential for both adult nectar sources and larval host plants. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and increasing drought frequency, further reducing suitable habitat quality.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Iolas Blue inhabits flower-rich Mediterranean grasslands, scrublands, and open woodlands, typically at elevations between 200-1500 meters. It requires areas with abundant Colutea arborescens (bladder senna) shrubs, which serve as the primary larval host plant, along with diverse nectar sources for adults.

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Anthophore estivaleCR

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Anthophora aestivalis

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Anthribus fasciatus

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Iolas Blue classified as Vulnerable?
Iolas 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 Iolas Blue faces severe decline primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development across its Mediterranean range. Overgrazing by livestock has degraded the flower-rich grasslands essential for both adult nectar sources and larval host plants. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and increasing drought frequency, further reducing suitable habitat quality.
Where does Iolas Blue live?
Iolas Blue occurs in Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Bulgaria (plus 21 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 Iolas Blue?
The main threats to Iolas 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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