Reitterelater dubius
Local name: eksavknäppare
Reitterelater dubius is a rare click beetle species characterized by its distinctive metallic bronze-green elytra and elongated body measuring 8-12mm in length. As a saproxylic species, it plays a crucial role in forest ecosystems by decomposing dead wood and serving as prey for insectivorous birds and small mammals.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera
Family
Elateridae
Genus
Reitterelater
Reitterelater dubius belongs to the family Elateridae, order Coleoptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
Reitterelater dubius is a rare click beetle species characterized by its distinctive metallic bronze-green elytra and elongated body measuring 8-12mm in length. As a saproxylic species, it plays a crucial role in forest ecosystems by decomposing dead wood and serving as prey for insectivorous birds and small mammals.
Reitterelater dubius, the eksavknäppare, is critically endangered primarily due to habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural conversion of its specialized forest ecosystems. The species has extremely limited distribution and small population size, making it highly vulnerable to environmental changes and human disturbance.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits mature deciduous and mixed forests with abundant coarse woody debris, particularly favoring fallen logs and standing dead trees of oak, beech, and maple species. The beetles require specific moisture conditions found in partially decayed heartwood of large-diameter deadwood in shaded forest understories.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Reitterelater dubius, the eksavknäppare, is critically endangered primarily due to habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural conversion of its specialized forest ecosystems. The species has extremely limited distribution and small population size, making it highly vulnerable to environmental changes and human disturbance.
Agricultural conversion
Deforestation
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Limited geographic range
Small population size
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (CR).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | DDData Deficient | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | DDData Deficient | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
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
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Reitterelater dubius (Reitterelater dubius). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/eksavknappare