VU

Iolaus lulua

Unknown

Overview

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

Iolaus lulua faces severe pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion across its limited range in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mining activities, particularly for minerals and metals, have fragmented its forest habitat and degraded the specific microhabitats required by this butterfly species. The species' dependence on particular host plants makes it especially vulnerable to habitat modification and forest clearing.

Threat summary

Habitat

This butterfly species inhabits primary and secondary tropical forests in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly areas with dense canopy cover and specific understory vegetation. It requires intact forest ecosystems that support its larval host plants and maintain the humid microclimate conditions essential for its lifecycle.

Other threatened species in LYCAENIDAE

EN

Black-Spotted Blue

Orachrysops mijburghi

Unknown
EN

Royal Blue

Orachrysops regalis

Unknown
Paralucia spiniferaEN

Paralucia spinifera

Unknown
EN

Mesopotamian Blue

Polyommatus dama

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Iolaus lulua classified as Vulnerable?
Iolaus lulua 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. Iolaus lulua faces severe pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion across its limited range in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mining activities, particularly for minerals and metals, have fragmented its forest habitat and degraded the specific microhabitats required by this butterfly species. The species' dependence on particular host plants makes it especially vulnerable to habitat modification and forest clearing.
Where does Iolaus lulua live?
Iolaus lulua occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Iolaus lulua?
The main threats to Iolaus lulua 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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