Airaphilus elongatus
CR

Airaphilus elongatus

Local name: ketohärö

Unknown

Photo: Photo: (c) Konstantin, all rights reserved, uploaded by Konstantin

Overview

The ketohärö (Airaphilus elongatus) is a distinctive elongated aerial arthropod characterized by its translucent, streamlined body and specialized wing membranes adapted for high-altitude flight. This species serves as a crucial pollinator for alpine flowering plants and acts as a key prey species for high-elevation insectivorous birds during their breeding season.

The ketohärö faces severe population declines due to extensive habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural conversion throughout its limited range. Climate change is altering the specific temperature and humidity conditions this species requires, while invasive species compete for resources and disrupt ecosystem balance.

Threat summary

Habitat

Inhabits old-growth boreal and temperate coniferous forests with dense canopy cover and specific bark microhabitat conditions. Requires mature trees with particular moisture and temperature regimes, typically found in undisturbed forest ecosystems between 200-800m elevation.

Other threatened species in Silvanidae

One-toothed silvan flat bark beetleVU

One-toothed silvan flat bark beetle

Silvanus unidentatus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is ketohärö classified as Critically Endangered?
ketohärö is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The ketohärö faces severe population declines due to extensive habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural conversion throughout its limited range. Climate change is altering the specific temperature and humidity conditions this species requires, while invasive species compete for resources and disrupt ecosystem balance.
Where does ketohärö live?
ketohärö occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to ketohärö?
The main threats to ketohärö are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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