Ege-barkplet
Cyrtidula quercus
The Ege-barkplet (Cyrtidula quercus) is a small, cryptically-colored arthropod that inhabits the bark crevices of oak trees, displaying mottled brown and gray patterns that provide excellent camouflage against tree bark. This specialized species plays a crucial role in forest ecosystems as both a decomposer of organic matter trapped in bark fissures and as prey for insectivorous birds and spiders.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Ascomycota
Class
Dothideomycetes
Genus
Cyrtidula
Ege-barkplet belongs to the family unknown, order unknown, within the Dothideomycetes class.
Species Profile
The Ege-barkplet (Cyrtidula quercus) is a small, cryptically-colored arthropod that inhabits the bark crevices of oak trees, displaying mottled brown and gray patterns that provide excellent camouflage against tree bark. This specialized species plays a crucial role in forest ecosystems as both a decomposer of organic matter trapped in bark fissures and as prey for insectivorous birds and spiders.
The primary threats to Ege-barkplet populations include widespread oak forest fragmentation and the increasing prevalence of invasive bark diseases that alter the microhabitat structure essential for their survival. Climate change-induced shifts in oak tree health and bark moisture levels further compromise the specific microclimatic conditions this species requires for reproduction and feeding.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Ege-barkplets are found exclusively in the deep bark crevices of mature oak trees, particularly favoring the furrowed bark of trees over 50 years old where humidity levels remain stable. They require oak forests with minimal human disturbance, where fallen leaves and organic debris accumulate around tree bases to support their complex life cycle.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
The primary threats to Ege-barkplet populations include widespread oak forest fragmentation and the increasing prevalence of invasive bark diseases that alter the microhabitat structure essential for their survival. Climate change-induced shifts in oak tree health and bark moisture levels further compromise the specific microclimatic conditions this species requires for reproduction and feeding.
Detailed threat classification data is sourced from IUCN assessments as they become available.
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). Ege-barkplet (Cyrtidula quercus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/ege-barkplet