bokvedvivel
Phloeophagus lignarius
The bokvedvivel (Phloeophagus lignarius) is a specialized wood-boring beetle characterized by its elongated cylindrical body, dark brown coloration with distinctive copper-tinted elytra, and powerful mandibles adapted for excavating galleries in tree bark. This cryptic species plays a crucial ecological role as a primary decomposer, creating intricate tunnel systems that facilitate nutrient cycling and provide nesting sites for other invertebrates in forest ecosystems.
19
Countries
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Paul Cook, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Paul Cook
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera
Family
Curculionidae
Genus
Phloeophagus
bokvedvivel belongs to the family Curculionidae, order Coleoptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
The bokvedvivel (Phloeophagus lignarius) is a specialized wood-boring beetle characterized by its elongated cylindrical body, dark brown coloration with distinctive copper-tinted elytra, and powerful mandibles adapted for excavating galleries in tree bark. This cryptic species plays a crucial ecological role as a primary decomposer, creating intricate tunnel systems that facilitate nutrient cycling and provide nesting sites for other invertebrates in forest ecosystems.
The bokvedvivel faces significant pressure from widespread deforestation and logging activities that destroy its specialized bark-dwelling habitat in mature forest ecosystems. Climate change is altering forest composition and bark beetle populations that this species depends upon, while habitat fragmentation isolates populations and reduces genetic diversity.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Inhabits the bark crevices and subcortical layers of mature coniferous and mixed forests, particularly favoring old-growth stands with abundant dead and dying trees. Requires specific microhabitat conditions found in bark beetle galleries and fungal networks within tree bark at elevations between 200-1500m.
Threats
Deforestation and logging
Habitat fragmentation
Bark beetle population declines
Climate change impacts on host trees
Forest management practices
Found in 19 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). bokvedvivel (Phloeophagus lignarius). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/bokvedvivel