About Cucujus cinnaberinus (Scopoli, 1763)
Cucujus cinnaberinus is a species of beetle that belongs to Cucujidae, the flat bark beetle family. It is native to Europe, where it is most common in Central Europe and rare across most of Southern and Western Europe. This beetle lives under tree bark, and is associated with oaks (Quercus spp.), maples (Acer spp.), and poplars (Populus spp.). It can be found in a range of habitat types, including forests and urban areas. It is a saproxylic species that often feeds on decomposing wood. It has also been observed eating maggots and the larvae of other beetles. This species is classified as near-threatened on the IUCN Red List, and appears on many national threatened species lists across Europe. Forest management practices that remove dead wood and dying trees reduce the amount of available habitat and food sources for this beetle.
