CR

Platycheirus altomontis

UnknownCREUCREU

Overview

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

Platycheirus altomontis faces severe threats from climate change-induced habitat loss as warming temperatures push suitable alpine conditions to higher elevations beyond the species' range limits. The fragmented nature of high-altitude habitats makes population connectivity extremely difficult, while increased frequency of extreme weather events disrupts the delicate alpine ecosystem balance this hoverfly depends upon. Agricultural intensification and recreational development in surrounding lower elevations further isolate remaining populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

This hoverfly species inhabits high-altitude alpine meadows and grasslands, typically found above the treeline in mountainous regions. It requires specific microclimatic conditions with particular flowering plants that provide nectar sources and suitable breeding substrates in these harsh, cold environments.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recovery

Other threatened species in SYRPHIDAE

CR

Cheilosia varnensis

Unknown
EN

Pipiza laurusi

Unknown
EN

Cheilosia lucense

Unknown
EN

Pipizella nigriana

Unknown

Threatened in Italy

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
EN

Lyophyllum deliberatum

Unknown
VU

Arum apulum

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Platycheirus altomontis classified as Critically Endangered?
Platycheirus altomontis is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Platycheirus altomontis faces severe threats from climate change-induced habitat loss as warming temperatures push suitable alpine conditions to higher elevations beyond the species' range limits. The fragmented nature of high-altitude habitats makes population connectivity extremely difficult, while increased frequency of extreme weather events disrupts the delicate alpine ecosystem balance this hoverfly depends upon. Agricultural intensification and recreational development in surrounding lower elevations further isolate remaining populations.
Where does Platycheirus altomontis live?
Platycheirus altomontis occurs in Italy, and Switzerland. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Platycheirus altomontis?
The main threats to Platycheirus altomontis are 11.1, 5.3, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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