Lesser Stag Beetle
ExploreInsects
Lesser Stag Beetle
Dorcus parallelipipedus
The Lesser Stag Beetle is a small, shiny beetle with big jaws that look like antlers! They are often found in gardens and forests, and they love to munch on decaying wood.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Lesser Stag Beetle is a medium-sized, dark brown to black beetle with a distinctly flattened body. Its wing cases have fine ridges, and males have smaller, less imposing mandibles compared to larger stag beetle relatives, making them appear more proportionate to their head.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyLucanidaeGenusDorcus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Even with powerful jaws, Lesser Stag Beetles are completely harmless to humans.
Males 'wrestle' with each other using their mandibles to impress nearby females!
Their larvae live inside rotting wood for up to two years before becoming adults!
These beetles are nature's recyclers, turning dead trees into new soil!
Special abilities
Ability
Wood-Wrangler Larvae
Lesser Stag Beetle larvae can digest tough, decaying wood because of specialized gut microbes, helping them grow and recycle nutrients.
Ability
Mandible Melee
Male Lesser Stag Beetles have strong mandibles that help them engage in harmless wrestling contests to win over females.
Ability
Armored Flight
Lesser Stag Beetles have a robust exoskeleton for protection, while wings help them fly to find mates and food.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 25-60 mm
- Size
- 18-32 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-90 days
- Flight Speed
- 5 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Larvae eat decaying wood; adults sip tree sap from injured trees or ripe fruit.
Age differences: Larvae consume rotting wood, while adults feed on nutrient-rich tree sap and fruit.
Primary Foods
- Decaying wood
- Tree sap
- Fungi
- Overripe fruit
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos major
Preys on larvae and adult beetles.
eats
European Hedgehog
Erinaceus europaeus
Forages for beetles on the ground at night.
depends on
Pedunculate Oak
Quercus robur
Larvae feed on its decaying wood.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Antlered
Antlered describes animals possessing antlers, which are bony, branching growths found predominantly on male deer and related species.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
These beetles are friendly, but it's best to watch them without touching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lesser Stag Beetle's wingspan?
25-60 mm
How big is Lesser Stag Beetle?
18-32 mm
How long does Lesser Stag Beetle live?
30-90 days
How fast can Lesser Stag Beetle fly?
5 km/h
What does Lesser Stag Beetle eat?
Larvae eat decaying wood; adults sip tree sap from injured trees or ripe fruit.
Where is Lesser Stag Beetle usually found?
Forests
How does Lesser Stag Beetle hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Lesser Stag Beetle have?
6
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