Xestobium rufovillosum, known as the Deathwatch Beetle, is a small wood-boring beetle. It thrives in old, damp timbers, often found in historic buildings. Notable for its tapping sound used in mating rituals, it plays a role in wood decomposition, influencing ecosystem nutrient cycles.

Xestobium rufovillosum, commonly known as the deathwatch beetle, is native to Europe. It is predominantly found across the continent, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and other European countries. The species has also been recorded in parts of Asia and North America, often as a result of human activity.

The deathwatch beetle typically inhabits old, decayed hardwoods, particularly oak. It thrives in environments with high humidity and stable temperatures, such as those found in ancient forests, wooded buildings, and structures with significant wood content. The beetle prefers environments where the wood has been softened by fungal decay.

Xestobium rufovillosum occupies the ecological niche of a wood-boring beetle. It plays a role in the decomposition of deadwood, contributing to nutrient cycling within its ecosystem. The larvae bore into wood, feeding on the cellulose and aiding in the breakdown of the timber, often in tandem with wood-decaying fungi.