Poecilmitis kaplani
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysoritis_beaufortius
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Poecilmitis kaplani faces severe pressure from urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited range in the Western Cape of South Africa. The species' specialized habitat requirements make it particularly vulnerable to fragmentation, as remaining populations become isolated in small patches of suitable fynbos vegetation. Invasive alien plant species further degrade the quality of remaining habitat, while climate change threatens to alter the delicate ecological balance this butterfly depends upon.
Habitat
This butterfly inhabits specialized fynbos vegetation in the Western Cape region of South Africa, particularly areas with its host plants from the Aspalathus genus. The species requires intact, fire-adapted shrubland ecosystems with specific microclimatic conditions and native plant communities.
Other threatened species in Lycaenidae
Threatened in South Africa
Frequently asked questions
Why is Poecilmitis kaplani classified as Vulnerable?
Where does Poecilmitis kaplani live?
What are the main threats to Poecilmitis kaplani?
Get weekly conservation intelligence
One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.
Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.