Provence Hairstreak
VU

Provence Hairstreak

Tomares ballus

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomares_ballus

Overview

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

The Provence Hairstreak faces severe habitat loss due to agricultural intensification and urban development across its Mediterranean range. Traditional grazing practices that maintained the open, flower-rich grasslands essential for its host plants have largely ceased, leading to scrubland encroachment. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased drought frequency, affecting both the butterfly and its Fabaceae host plants.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Provence Hairstreak inhabits dry, calcareous grasslands, garrigue, and maquis scrubland in Mediterranean coastal regions. It requires areas with abundant flowering plants from the Fabaceae family, particularly in open, sun-exposed locations with sparse vegetation maintained by traditional grazing or natural disturbance.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Provence Hairstreak classified as Vulnerable?
Provence Hairstreak 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. The Provence Hairstreak faces severe habitat loss due to agricultural intensification and urban development across its Mediterranean range. Traditional grazing practices that maintained the open, flower-rich grasslands essential for its host plants have largely ceased, leading to scrubland encroachment. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased drought frequency, affecting both the butterfly and its Fabaceae host plants.
Where does Provence Hairstreak live?
Provence Hairstreak occurs in Algeria, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Morocco, and Poland (plus 4 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Provence Hairstreak?
The main threats to Provence Hairstreak 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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