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Stag beetles are a family of about 1,200 species of beetles in the family Lucanidae, currently classified in four subfamilies. Some species grow to over 12 centimetres ( 4 + 1 ⁄ 2 inches), but most to about 5 cm (2 in).
Stag beetle. Scientific name: Lucanus cervus. Famous for its fearsome jaws, the stag beetle does not have the bite to match. Look for it in woods, parks and gardens in South East England in summer. Males display their massive jaws to attract females and duel with their rivals.
Lucanus cervus, known as the European stag beetle, or the greater stag beetle, is one of the best-known species of stag beetle (family Lucanidae) in Western Europe, and is the eponymous example of the genus. L. cervus is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List.
stag beetle, (family Lucanidae), any of some 900 species of beetles (insect order Coleoptera) in which the mandibles (jaws) are greatly developed in the male and resemble the antlers of a stag. In many species the elaborately branched and toothed mandibles may be as long as the beetle itself.
Dec 9, 2023 · A stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) is a type of insect belonging to the family Lucanidae, encompassing over a thousand species worldwide. These beetles are easily identifiable by their large size and the distinct, antler-like jaws found on males, which are used for combat with other males during the mating season.
In the UK, the stag beetle beats its next rival for the biggest beetle record by a few centimetres. The great diving beetle ( Dytiscus marginalis ) , a voracious predator that lives in ponds, can reach about three centimetres long.
Stag beetles are relatively widespread in southern England and live in the Severn valley and coastal areas of the southwest. Elsewhere in Britain they are extremely rare or even extinct. Female stag beetles prefer light soils which are easier to dig down into and lay their eggs.
Stag beetles live in woodland edges, hedgerows, traditional orchards, parks and gardens throughout Europe, including Britain, but not Ireland. They are relatively widespread in southern England and live in the Severn valley and coastal areas of the southwest.
Declining in number across much of Europe, the stag beetle is an impressive species. Find out more about this beetle in our expert guide by PTES.
Lucanus capreolus, the reddish-brown stag beetle or pinching beetle, is a beetle of the family Lucanidae. The specific name capreolus is derived from Latin, meaning "roe deer" (capreolus literally means "little goat"). The name refers to the resemblance of the mandibles to deer antlers.
