Wildlife
Stag beetles are a particularly impressive, even fearsome sight. The males of most species sport large, branching jaws that resemble antlers on a deer and give them their name. These jaws are used for fighting and wrestling with other males over territories and food. The females' mandibles are usually less showy and grand. There are around 1,200 species in this beetle family worldwide, with some species reaching a respectable 12cm in length. The larvae of the majority feed on rotting wood.
Scientific name: Lucanidae
Rank: Family
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Stag beetle battle
Is a rotten old log really worth fighting over?
Stag beetles are Britain's largest beetles and are now rare in many of our woodlands. Here, two males fight over possesion of a rocky log, using their large mandibles for display and combat. The winner goes in search of a mate who has also been attracted by the log - it is here she will lay her eggs, so that the rotting wood can become an immediate food source for the grubs when they hatch.
A stag beetle's history of Britain
Association with fire and heat gave stag beetles a devilish reputation.
Association with fire and heat gave stag beetles a devilish reputation.
Stag beetle life cycle
A journey into the curious world of the stag beetle in all its forms.
A journey into the curious world of the stag beetle in all its forms.
Chalked up
A theory on why stag beetles seem to prefer the UK's south east.
A theory on why stag beetles seem to prefer the UK's south east.
On the wings of love
Like Romeo and Juliet, stag beetles lead short, passionate lives.
Like Romeo and Juliet, stag beetles lead short, passionate lives.
The Stag beetles can be found in a number of locations including: Africa, Asia, Australia, China, Europe, North America, Russia, South America, United Kingdom, Wales. Find out more about these places and what else lives there.
Stag beetles are a group of about 1,200 species of beetle in the family Lucanidae, presently classified in four subfamilies Some species grow up to over 12 cm (4.8 in), but most are about 5 cm (2 in).
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