Persian Skipper
Spialia phlomidis
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spialia_phlomidis
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The Persian Skipper faces severe habitat degradation across its limited range in Iran and surrounding regions due to overgrazing by livestock and agricultural expansion into its specialized steppe habitats. Urban development and infrastructure projects have fragmented remaining populations, while climate change is altering the precipitation patterns essential for its host plants. The species' restricted distribution and specialized ecological requirements make it particularly vulnerable to these mounting pressures.
Habitat
The Persian Skipper inhabits dry steppes, semi-arid grasslands, and rocky slopes with sparse vegetation in mountainous regions of Iran and adjacent areas. It requires areas with specific host plants from the Lamiaceae family, particularly in elevations between 1,000-2,500 meters where traditional grazing practices have maintained suitable habitat conditions.
Other threatened species in Hesperiidae
Threatened in Albania
Frequently asked questions
Why is Persian Skipper classified as Vulnerable?
Where does Persian Skipper live?
What are the main threats to Persian Skipper?
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