Swanepoel's Blue
Lepidochrysops swanepoeli
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Lepidochrysops swanepoeli faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to urban expansion and agricultural conversion of its specialized grassland habitat in South Africa. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while its dependence on specific ant species for larval development creates additional ecological vulnerabilities. Climate change poses an emerging threat through altered precipitation patterns that could disrupt the delicate grassland ecosystems this butterfly requires.
Habitat
This critically endangered butterfly inhabits specialized grassland ecosystems in South Africa, particularly areas with specific vegetation communities that support its ant mutualist partners. The species requires intact grassland with appropriate host plants and the presence of particular ant species essential for its larval development.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in LYCAENIDAE
Threatened in South Africa
Frequently asked questions
Why is Swanepoel's Blue classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Swanepoel's Blue live?
What are the main threats to Swanepoel's Blue?
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