Stenagostus rufus
Local name: gul jätteknäppare
The gul jätteknäppare (Stenagostus rufus) is a large click beetle species characterized by its distinctive reddish-brown coloration and robust body structure. As a saproxylic beetle, it plays a crucial ecological role in forest ecosystems by decomposing dead wood and contributing to nutrient cycling through its larval feeding activities in decaying timber.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera
Family
Elateridae
Genus
Stenagostus
Stenagostus rufus belongs to the family Elateridae, order Coleoptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
The gul jätteknäppare (Stenagostus rufus) is a large click beetle species characterized by its distinctive reddish-brown coloration and robust body structure. As a saproxylic beetle, it plays a crucial ecological role in forest ecosystems by decomposing dead wood and contributing to nutrient cycling through its larval feeding activities in decaying timber.
Stenagostus rufus is critically endangered primarily due to habitat loss from deforestation and forest fragmentation in its limited range. The species depends on old-growth forests with specific microhabitat requirements, making it extremely vulnerable to logging and land conversion. Climate change may further threaten the species by altering forest composition and reducing suitable habitat.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Stenagostus rufus inhabits mature coniferous and mixed forests, particularly those with abundant dead standing trees, fallen logs, and stumps in various stages of decay. The species shows a strong preference for sun-exposed deadwood in forest clearings and edges where larvae can develop in the softened wood of pine, spruce, and other conifers.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Stenagostus rufus is critically endangered primarily due to habitat loss from deforestation and forest fragmentation in its limited range. The species depends on old-growth forests with specific microhabitat requirements, making it extremely vulnerable to logging and land conversion. Climate change may further threaten the species by altering forest composition and reducing suitable habitat.
Deforestation and logging
Forest fragmentation
Habitat degradation
Limited range and small population size
Climate change impacts on forest ecosystems
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 | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | 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). Stenagostus rufus (Stenagostus rufus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/gul-jatteknappare