Neoophorus regalis
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Neoophorus regalis faces severe population decline due to extensive deforestation and agricultural conversion of its specialized cloud forest habitat in Central American mountain ranges. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while climate change threatens to shift suitable temperature and humidity conditions upslope beyond available habitat. Collection pressure for the international pet trade has further reduced wild populations of this distinctive carrion beetle.
Habitat
Neoophorus regalis inhabits pristine cloud forests and montane rainforests at elevations between 1,200-2,400 meters in Central America. The species requires high humidity levels and specific temperature ranges found in undisturbed primary forest with dense canopy cover and abundant decaying organic matter.
