hagstumpbagge
Atholus praetermissus
The hagstumpbagge (Atholus praetermissus) is a small, dark-colored hister beetle characterized by its distinctive metallic sheen and compact, oval-shaped body measuring 3-5mm in length. This specialized decomposer plays a crucial ecological role in forest ecosystems by feeding on fly larvae and other soft-bodied insects found in decaying organic matter, helping to accelerate nutrient cycling in woodland environments.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera
Family
Histeridae
Genus
Atholus
hagstumpbagge belongs to the family Histeridae, order Coleoptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
The hagstumpbagge (Atholus praetermissus) is a small, dark-colored hister beetle characterized by its distinctive metallic sheen and compact, oval-shaped body measuring 3-5mm in length. This specialized decomposer plays a crucial ecological role in forest ecosystems by feeding on fly larvae and other soft-bodied insects found in decaying organic matter, helping to accelerate nutrient cycling in woodland environments.
The hagstumpbagge (Atholus praetermissus) faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited range. Climate change is altering the specific microhabitat conditions this beetle species requires, while invasive species compete for resources and disrupt ecosystem balance.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Hagstumpbagge inhabits the understory of mature deciduous and mixed forests, particularly favoring areas with abundant fallen logs, deep leaf litter, and consistent moisture levels. The species shows strong preference for beech and oak-dominated woodlands where decomposing organic matter provides both shelter and hunting grounds for its insect prey.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
The hagstumpbagge (Atholus praetermissus) faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited range. Climate change is altering the specific microhabitat conditions this beetle species requires, while invasive species compete for resources and disrupt ecosystem balance.
Agricultural intensification
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Small population size and genetic bottlenecks
Climate change impacts
Invasive species competition
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). hagstumpbagge (Atholus praetermissus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/hagstumpbagge