evidence: Ptinus subpilosus is a species which sticks strictly to natural habitats and has been found mainly under bark of trees in ancient pasture woodland. In Ireland we have a very limited pasture woodland fauna, due to past destruction of forests. Pasture woodland is one of the most threatened habitat types in Europe. The occurrence of a generally rare pasture woodland insect in Northern Ireland is therefore of some importance. [...] With some luck and persistence it should be possible to see this species under the bark of old sycamore in the Lagan Valley, south and west of Belfast. It appears to favour west-facing aspects. At Belvoir, it was found in November but in Britain it seems to occur mainly in spring. [...] Report to EHS or to roy.anderson [at] ntlworld.com any damage to ancient trees in this part of the Lagan Valley Regional Park, whether proposed by planning consents, or likely to occur through changes to forestry or land management practice.