This is a restricted endemic from the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa (EOO 4 km<sup>2</sup>). There are three locations, but further surveys of suitable habitat are required. Although habitat degradation from overgrazing and climate change may be future threats, there are no significant current threats. The taxon thus qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as Least Concern and is nationally classified as Rare (Restricted Range and Habitat Specialist). There are many other suitable localities, but these have been inadequately explored. It is probable that further locations will be found in the future. The previous assessment exaggerated the problems concerning this species. At its known locality it is reasonably plentiful in a locality right next to the road (extensive enquiries made by the author of this current assessment support this). No searches for it have been carried out away from its known locality, except for the current author expanding the search on two occasions, and quickly found it at two other localities nearby. This butterfly feeds on rock lichen and suitable rocks with the same lichen occur over a wide area in this region, covering at least another 50 km. The taxon has no significant threats because it occurs in a remote arid area where only livestock farming takes place. Livestock cannot really threaten a species that breeds on rock lichens, and there is no evidence to suggest to the contrary. There is also no evidence of any decline in these populations over time. The taxon should have previously been assessed as Least Concern and thus the status change from Vulnerable to Least Concern is non-genuine.
Distribution
Endemic to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, from three localities approximately 30 km north-east of Jansenville.
No current threats. Overgrazing, removal or loss of vegetation shading the breeding rocks and climate warming/aridification are possible future risk factors. Moisture for the needed microclimate mainly comes from valley mist. Whether the necessary moisture/humidity gradients will change with climate warming, remains to be seen. The ecosystem status of the habitat, from a vegetation perspective, is Least Threatened.
Conservation
Co-operation with local farmers is needed to prevent the habitat from being modified. Further autecological studies and population monitoring are also required. A search for other localities needs to be done.
