VU

Lycaena hermes

Unknown

Overview

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

Lycaena hermes faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat fragmentation and loss of its specialized host plants in Mediterranean coastal areas. Urban development and agricultural intensification have eliminated many of the butterfly's traditional breeding sites, while climate change is shifting the distribution of its required plant species. The species' limited dispersal ability makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat isolation, preventing recolonization of suitable areas.

Threat summary

Habitat

This butterfly inhabits Mediterranean scrubland, coastal grasslands, and rocky hillsides where its specific host plants grow. It requires areas with a mosaic of open spaces and shrubland that provide both larval food sources and adult nectar resources.

Marine coastal/supratidal· majorShrubland· major

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 Lycaena hermes classified as Vulnerable?
Lycaena hermes 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. Lycaena hermes faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat fragmentation and loss of its specialized host plants in Mediterranean coastal areas. Urban development and agricultural intensification have eliminated many of the butterfly's traditional breeding sites, while climate change is shifting the distribution of its required plant species. The species' limited dispersal ability makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat isolation, preventing recolonization of suitable areas.
Where does Lycaena hermes live?
Lycaena hermes 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 Lycaena hermes?
The main threats to Lycaena hermes 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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