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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).
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. Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
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.
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.
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.
'Stag beetles are rare and threatened throughout northern Europe and the populations in the Thames Valley are some of the largest in the world. London is a particular stronghold. 'We're lucky that these beautiful and interesting creatures inhabit our city parks and gardens.
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.
Identification. Stag beetles have a shiny black head and thorax (middle section), and chestnut-brown wing cases. Males have large antler-like jaws, female jaws are much smaller. Stag beetles vary in size. Males are usually about 4-8cm long, females are smaller, usually 3-5cm long.
If you see a stag beetle, please visit our website www.ptes.org/stagbeetle and record your sighting. This helps us build up a picture of where stag beetles are and how they are doing. Create a stepping stone for stag beetles so that they can colonise new areas more easily
