Laboratory of Woodland Ecology
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The Wrinkled Bark Beetle (Rhysodes sulcatus)
 

It is a stenotopic, forest species, associated with natural and primeval, mostly deciduous and mixed forests. In the latest reporting period (2007-2012) for the majority of areas, the status of species was estimated as unfavourable, emphasizing data deficiency. Adults overwinter in the trunks or under the bark and aggregate in groups which often include larvae which develop for 2 years. During the summer, from May to September, it can be observed in dusk and during night mating and feeding on the trunks. Its feeding habits are associated with an amoeboid phase of Myxomycotes. In Central Europe, it is very rare and vanishing. It is associated with natural and primeval forests whose disappearance in the past century, along with a large amount of dead wood they host, is believed to put a great pressure on this species. Due to its rarity, it is protected by Annex II of EU Habitats Directive and Bern Convention and over 60 Natura 2000 sites have been designated for this species. Preliminary analysis show beetles association with large, moist (DBH>60 cm) fallen logs.

 
Related papers

[PDF] Rhysodes sulcatus - Metodika Péče [Czech]

[PDF] Rhysodes sulcatus - Distribution Map