Euheptaulacus villosus
Local name: ängsjordbagge
Euheptaulacus villosus, commonly known as ängsjordbagge, is a small ground-dwelling beetle characterized by its densely hairy (villose) body and dark coloration. This species plays an important ecological role as a decomposer, feeding on organic matter in soil and leaf litter while serving as prey for various invertebrate predators and small vertebrates.
13
Countries
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) gernotkunz, all rights reserved, uploaded by gernotkunz
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera
Family
Scarabaeidae
Genus
Euheptaulacus
Euheptaulacus villosus belongs to the family Scarabaeidae, order Coleoptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
Euheptaulacus villosus, commonly known as ängsjordbagge, is a small ground-dwelling beetle characterized by its densely hairy (villose) body and dark coloration. This species plays an important ecological role as a decomposer, feeding on organic matter in soil and leaf litter while serving as prey for various invertebrate predators and small vertebrates.
Euheptaulacus villosus faces significant threats from habitat degradation and loss of traditional agricultural practices that maintain its preferred semi-natural grassland environments. The species is particularly vulnerable to intensive farming practices, pesticide use, and the abandonment of low-intensity grazing that historically created optimal conditions for this beetle.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits semi-natural grasslands, particularly those maintained by extensive grazing, including meadows, pastures, and grassland edges. It is typically found in areas with diverse plant communities and organic matter accumulation that support its development.
Threats
Agricultural intensification and pesticide use
Loss of traditional extensive grazing practices
Conversion of grasslands to cropland or development
Habitat fragmentation of semi-natural grasslands
Found in 13 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Euheptaulacus villosus (Euheptaulacus villosus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/angsjordbagge