Sooty Orange-tip
EN

Sooty Orange-tip

Zegris eupheme

UnknownNTEUNTEU

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

Overview

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

The Sooty Orange-tip faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat degradation from agricultural intensification and urban development across its Mediterranean range. Overgrazing by livestock has significantly reduced the availability of its host plants, particularly wild mustard species essential for larval development. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns in its already arid habitats, further stressing both the butterfly and its food plants.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Sooty Orange-tip inhabits dry, rocky hillsides and Mediterranean scrubland with sparse vegetation, typically at elevations between 200-1500 meters. It requires areas with abundant wild mustard plants (Brassicaceae family) and prefers open, sun-exposed slopes with scattered shrubs and rocky outcrops.

Other threatened species in Pieridae

EN

Catasticta revancha

Unknown
Southern Small WhiteVU

Southern Small White

Pieris mannii

Unknown
Krueper's Small WhiteVU

Krueper's Small White

Pieris krueperi

Unknown
Gruner's Orange-tipVU

Gruner's Orange-tip

Anthocharis gruneri

Unknown

Threatened in Afghanistan

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

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Asiatic Black BearVU

Asiatic Black Bear

Ursus thibetanus

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VU

Urial

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VU

Indian Spiny-tailed Lizard

Saara hardwickii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Sooty Orange-tip classified as Endangered?
Sooty Orange-tip is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. The Sooty Orange-tip faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat degradation from agricultural intensification and urban development across its Mediterranean range. Overgrazing by livestock has significantly reduced the availability of its host plants, particularly wild mustard species essential for larval development. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns in its already arid habitats, further stressing both the butterfly and its food plants.
Where does Sooty Orange-tip live?
Sooty Orange-tip occurs in Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, and Georgia (plus 16 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 Sooty Orange-tip?
The main threats to Sooty Orange-tip 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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