Stag Beetle
ExploreInsects
Stag Beetle
Lucanus cervus
The Stag Beetle is a strong beetle known for its large jaws that look like antlers! It's a cool beetle to find in the garden.
Habitat: Forests and gardens
Appearance
The Stag Beetle is a large, robust insect, typically reddish-brown to black. Males are easily identified by their impressively oversized, antler-like mandibles, which are much larger than those of the smaller females.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyLucanidaeGenusLucanus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult stag beetles enjoy a sweet treat of tree sap, often drinking it upside down.
Sometimes, they pretend to be dead if they feel threatened, lying motionless on their backs!
Stag beetle larvae spend up to seven years growing underground, feasting on dead wood!
Their giant "antlers" are actually mandibles, used by males to wrestle rivals!
Special abilities
Ability
Antler Wrestle
Stag Beetles can engage in wrestling matches using their huge mandibles to impress females and compete with rivals.
Ability
Wood Recycler
Stag Beetle larvae have powerful jaws that help them chew through and decompose dead wood, returning nutrients to the soil.
Ability
Hidden Transformation
Stag Beetles spend many years developing as larvae underground, undergoing a complete metamorphosis to emerge as adults.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 60-120 mm
- Size
- 30-75 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-90 days
- Flight Speed
- 5-10 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Larvae munch on decaying wood, while adults sip sweet tree sap and fruit juices.
Age differences: Larvae feed exclusively on decaying wood; adults do not eat solid food but drink tree sap and fruit juices.
Primary Foods
- Rotting wood
- Tree sap
- Decaying fruit
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Green Woodpecker
Picus viridis
Green woodpeckers can dig out and feed on stag beetle larvae.
eaten by
European Badger
Meles meles
Badgers are known predators, digging up larvae from their wooden homes.
depends on
English Oak
Quercus robur
Stag beetle larvae thrive by eating the rotting wood of this and other deciduous trees.
eaten by
Brown Long-eared Bat
Plecotus auritus
This bat hunts flying adult stag beetles during their evening flights.
Traits
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.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Armored
Armored describes animals protected by a hard, external covering or shell for defense.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Horned BeetleLucanid Beetle
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stag Beetle's wingspan?
60-120 mm
How big is Stag Beetle?
30-75 mm
How long does Stag Beetle live?
30-90 days
How fast can Stag Beetle fly?
5-10 km/h
What does Stag Beetle eat?
Larvae munch on decaying wood, while adults sip sweet tree sap and fruit juices.
Where is Stag Beetle usually found?
Forests and gardens
How does Stag Beetle hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Stag Beetle have?
6
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