It was found in strata dating to the Maastrichtian (Late Cretaceous) of the Sânpetru Formation in Romania.

"Based on comparisons with the m1s from Vălioara, the holotype of Barbatodon is regarded as a kogaionid m1,"[2] Kielan-Jaworowska and Hurum (2001) had it placed tentatively in the informal 'Paracimexomys group'.

Most of Europe was covered by shallow seas during the Upper Cretaceous, which makes remains of terrestrial animals extremely rare.

Like modern rodents and shrews, as well as the related taeniolabidoid multituberculates, Barbatodon displays red iron-pigmentation in its teeth.

In the absence of competing mammals, Barbatodon and similar kogaionids display a clear example of island speciation.