Aradus betulae
Local name: Birkebarktæge
Birkebarktæge (Aradus betulae) is a specialized bark bug that feeds exclusively on birch trees, particularly favoring older specimens with thick, furrowed bark. These flattened, brownish insects measure 4-6mm in length and are perfectly adapted to living in the crevices of birch bark where they feed on fungal growth and decaying organic matter.
30
Countries
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Vladimir Bryukhov, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Vladimir Bryukhov
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Hemiptera
Family
Aradidae
Genus
Aradus
Aradus betulae belongs to the family Aradidae, order Hemiptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
Birkebarktæge (Aradus betulae) is a specialized bark bug that feeds exclusively on birch trees, particularly favoring older specimens with thick, furrowed bark. These flattened, brownish insects measure 4-6mm in length and are perfectly adapted to living in the crevices of birch bark where they feed on fungal growth and decaying organic matter. They play an important ecological role as decomposers in birch forest ecosystems and serve as prey for various insectivorous birds and spiders.
Aradus betulae faces significant threats primarily from habitat loss due to deforestation and forest fragmentation, which reduces the availability of its host birch trees. Climate change poses additional risks by altering the distribution and health of birch forests, while pollution and pesticide use in forestry practices further compromise population stability.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits birch forests and woodlands where it lives under the bark of birch trees (Betula species), particularly favoring mature and old-growth birch stands. It is typically found in boreal and temperate forest ecosystems across northern Europe where birch trees are prevalent.
Threats
Climate change impacts on birch forest ecosystems
Habitat loss and forest fragmentation
Air pollution affecting host tree health
Intensive forest management practices
Pesticide use in forestry
Found in 30 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). Aradus betulae (Aradus betulae). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/birkebarktge