By the time theyre ready to transform into adult beetles, they can measure up to 11cm long yikes! Lucanus capreolus, the reddish-brown stag beetle,[1] is a beetle of the family Lucanidae. Cottonwood stag beetles can grow from 1.02 to 1.14 inches in length and have glossy back-colored bodies. By the end of August, most of them will have died. A review of the family-group names for the superfamily Scarabaeoidea (Coleoptera) with corrections to nomenclature and a current classification. Which Is More Stable Thiophene Or Pyridine. We do this to improve browsing experience and to show personalised ads. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Such variation is termed a scaling relationship or static allometry. The benefits of stag beetle habitats near garden areas are astounding. Acknowledgements Youre most likely to see adults on warm, sunny evenings in May and June. [5][6], The oldest known fossil of the group is Juraesalus from the late Middle Jurassic (Callovian) Daohugou Beds of Inner Mongolia, China. Adults are attracted to lights at night. Stag beetles are relatively widespread in southern England and live in the Severn valley and coastal areas of the southwest. By entering your email address you agree to our. Few insects can grab your attention like a giant stag beetle. Habitat: Woodland (especially oak woods), parks and gardens. [citation needed]. They can use their feathery tongue to drink from sap runs and fallen soft fruit. LinkedIn Stag beetles livein woodland edges, hedgerows, traditional orchards, parks and gardens throughout Western Europe including Britain but notIreland. If stag beetles or their larvae are known or thought to be present at a site where an application for planning has been submitted, and are likely to be disturbed or destroyed whilst work is carried out at the site, its recommended that someone with an understanding of the insects requirements be present to see that any larvae or adults are carefully translocated to a suitable natural or purpose-built habitat close by. If you do have to move a stag beetle for its own safety, then please move it as short a distance as possible (into a nearby hedge or plant for example). On warm summer evenings, adult males can be spotted flying through the balmy air in search of mates. Stag beetles are legally protected from sale in the UK. In addition to stag beetles, there are two other species that may be painful to humans. Hidden underground, the grubs grow big and strong by feeding on decaying (rotting) plant material. Every donation up to 250 to our Helping Hedgehogs Thrive Again appeal will be matched. Youre leaving natgeokids.com to visit another website! The specific name capreolus is derived from Latin, meaning "roe deer" (capreolus literally means "little goat"). They are attracted to lights at night. If this document didnt answer your questions, please contact HGIC at hgic@clemson.edu or 1-888-656-9988. As well as reading our stag beetle facts, please help us protect this threatened British species by telling us about where they live near you and by making your garden stag beetle friendly. A durable exoskeleton and imposing, pincer-like mandibles on males imply aggression, but this is not an accurate reflection of the beetle. View photos and description of how stag beetle larvae pupate. You may see stag beetles flying around on warm summer evenings, or you might dig up the large, white grubs, called larvae, in the garden. Building a log pile in your garden will make sure that there is plenty of dead wood nearby for females to lay their eggs in! Most stag beetles are robust and black or brown. Stag beetle habitats lean towards woodsy areas but can also be found in your wood pile, compost bin, rotting outdoor structure, garbage bin, and any place it can find shelter and food. Predators such as cats, foxes, crows, kestrels tend to strike at the most vulnerable stage in the beetles life cycle, when adults are seeking to mate and lay eggs. Here's your special offer - save 10% on our 'Annual' subscription option by using discount code NEWS10 at the checkout. Stag beetles have a shiny black head and thorax (middle section), and chestnut-brown wing cases. It is an artificial insect diet that lasts longer than fruit and is usually a more nutritious food, often containing: proteins, lactic acid, sugars and fruit juices. In Englands New Forest, it was once believed that the stag beetle, dubbed the devils imp, was sent to do some evil to the corn crops. You can create your own and add its location to our Log Pile Map to provide us with information about what dead wood habitats are out there and, perhaps even more importantly, to inspire others to do the same. They are also classed asa priority species, listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. While their impressive pincers might look scary, stag beetles are usually very docile. Use wood chip or bark instead to supress weeds (and provide habitat for stag beetles). Periods of very cold weather can extend the process. It can be found around decaying logs and stumps, where it breeds. The largest (giant) stag beetle in South Carolina is Lucanus elaphus.Photo credit: Anton-Borakov, Shutterstock. The Coleopterists Bulletin 60:144204. Once theyve mated, females return to the spotwhere they emerged, if there is enough rotting wood to feed their young, anddig down into the soil to lay their small, round eggs in rotting wood such as log piles, tree stumps and old fence posts. Females might be confused with females of the reddish-brown stag beetle but have darker legs and a smooth thorax shield. They have gone extinct in Denmark and Latvia, although theres been a successful reintroduction into one site in Denmark in 2013. Two-thirds of them live in the western half of the country They are also called Pinching Bugs because of their big mandibles. We also work hard to protect their homes such as orchards and woodlands. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Pliny the Elder noted that Nigidius called the beetle lucanus after the Italian region of Lucania where they were used as amulets. Corrections? While they are also called pinching bugs by some, they are quite harmless. For up to six years they look like white grubs, and make their homes in old trees and rotting wood. Most stag beetles live around rotting logs on which the larvae feed. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Fights may also be over food, such as tree sap and decaying fruits. This can be anywhere from three to seven yearsdepending on the weather. Beetles are found throughout the United States - reaching as far out as Hawaii, Alaska, and territories inbetween. Stag beetle larvae are occasionally found in sleepers and fencing in gardens, but this is only where the wood is in contact with the soil and is already rotting down. Roll away with our fab facts about this bonkers bug! Their size often varies among individuals. *For more information, see the following link summarizing the research on giant stag beetles: USDA Giant Stag Beetles: Ecology, Genetics, and Distribution. Stag beetles are legally protected from sale in the UK. Whilst there are over a thousand species of stag beetle across the world, we only have three members of the stag beetle family here in the UK; the stag beetle (Lucanus cervus), its smaller relative the lesser stag beetle (Dorcus paralellapipidus) and the rhinoceros beetle (Sinodendron cylindricum).You can see the differences between each type, and with other beetles, on this PDF guide by the PTES. S, Dirckx J, Aerts P. 2015 Cost of flight and the You must be 18 or over. The Stag Beetle - Lucanus capreolus is typically 0.7 inches to 1.4 inches (20mm to 36mm) in size and has the following descriptors / identifiers: pincers; curved horns; reddish; brown; red; orange legs; yellow leg patches; claw; flying. Witness a fierce battle between two stag beetles for sweet sap oozing out of an oak tree in northern Germany, See a colony of hornets battle with a stag beetle for access to tree sap, This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/animal/stag-beetle, Young People's Trust for the Environment - Stag Beetle. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at InsectIdentification AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work. Such species are among the most threatened insects in Europe, says U.S. Forest Service scientist Michael Ulyshen. Adults cant feed on solid food they rely on the fat reserves built up whilst developing as a larva. The giant stag beetles highly depend on dead wood for their survival. They are relatively widespread in southern England and live in the Severn valley and coastal areas of the southwest. Males have large antler-like jaws, female jaws are much smaller. Lucanus capreolus. I confirm that I am 18 years old or abovePlease confirm that you are an adult. They are mostly seen dwelling around riparian areas and old cottonwood trees. The larvae only feed on decaying wood so please dont kill them. evolution of stag beetle weaponry. This makes them important in recycling fallen trees back into basic nutrients for the forest ecosystem. The male giraffe stag beetle (Cladognathus giraffa) of India and Java is almost as long, and its jaws make up about half of its total length. Record your sightings of stag beetles for the Great Stag Hunt. Its exoskeleton appears smooth and glossy and has a rich dark red or brown hue to it. that was awesome beetles are the best creature alive. These beetles live and reproduce in damp, rotting wood. Development of non-invasive monitoring methods for stag beetlesA paper from Insect Conservation and Diversity, by Harvey et al. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. I confirm that I am 18 years old or above. Species information Category Beetles Statistics Length: 5.0-7.5cm Stag Beetles are large, as you can see from the picture below. Amazingly, yes they can! The lucanidae family exists of around 1200 beetle species and all have more or less two antlers, while some species have quite huge ones. Lesser stag beetles tend to have a much squarer overall look. comb.). Adults feed on sap. The name of this insect is derived from the giant mandibles on the male, which resemble the stags of a deer in the way they curve and branch. Northkill Road north of Shartlesville, Berks County, Pennsylvania, USA July 1, 2017 Size: 35 mm Take the insects quiz Antler-like jaws Tough wing case Claws Beetles in battle Animals and Nature The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. However, very little is known about their diversity or conservation status in North America. In the U.S., the giant stag beetle is the largest insect associated with dead wood. However, a few are brightly coloured. The males have prominent mouthparts not to bite people but rather to impress females and to push, pull, and even throw rival stag beetles away from their future mate. The larvae only feed ondecaying wood so please dontkill them. Help us protect this unique British species by telling us about where they live near you and by making your garden stag beetle friendly. But dont worry! Many of the large open spaces in our towns and cities have gone. www.ptes.org . Change region, COUNTRY*AustraliaIrelandNew ZealandUnited KingdomOther. By submitting images to us (BeetleIdentification.org) you acknowledge that you have read and understood our, 2023 www.BeetleIdentification.org All Rights Reserved Content 2018-2023 (5yrs). (Image Credit: Roger de Keyzer) This is a purple form but the golden stag beetle's colour ranges from red/golden-red to near-black. 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. Adults spend the winter underground and usually emerge from mid-May onwards. Copyright 2023 Clemson UniversityClemson Cooperative Extension | 103 Barre Hall Clemson, SC 29634864-986-4310 | 1-888-656-9988 (SC residents only) | Contact UsHGIC@clemson.edu, SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report August 2, 2021, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, How to Tell the Difference Between Goldenrod and Ragweed, Centipedegrass Yearly Maintenance Program. There are 30 different species of stag beetles in the United States. Stag beetles inhabit wood, and will make rotting tree stumps their mansions. Get uplifting news, exclusive offers, inspiring stories and activities to help you and your family explore and learn. Eventually, each stag beetle larva will create a cocoon for itself, that can be as large as an orange. Larvae feed on decaying wood under the ground. The larvae are found in the trunks of old trees, feeding on the inner wood. Males are usually about 4-8cm long, females are smaller, usually 3-5cm long. And some are killed deliberately because they are seen as dangerous or pests. Newly emerging adults also have to dig their way up through the soil to reachthe surface, therefore areas like the North and South Downs, which are chalky, have veryfew stag beetles. LINKS: Rose Chafer Survey - Please enter your records even if they are null, as it would be very interesting to get an update view on the distribution of this beetle. If you find an adult stag beetle, leave it where it is (unless its in immediate danger) and then record your sighting. Stag beetles are in the insect family Lucanidae. Adult stag beetles range between 8 and 40 mm (1/3 to 1 2/3 inches) in length, although the male of the East Indian Odontolabis alces is more than 100 mm (about 4 inches) long. It lives in deciduous forests and adjacent areas[4] in the eastern United States and some parts of Canada. The English name is derived from the large and distinctive mandibles found on the males of most species, which resemble the antlers of stags. These amazing insects are easy to identify, because of their red-brown bodies and massive, antler-like jaws. Share this page. Tidying of woodlands, parks and gardens removes deadwood habitats which is the larval food source. Found in eastern NSW, ACT, Victoria and Tasmania, like other Lamprima it breeds in decaying logs, mainly eucalypts, but also she-oaks (Casuarina, Allocasuarina) and . They have gone extinct in Denmark and Latvia, although there has been a successful reintroduction into one site in Denmark in 2013 and a recent one off sighting in Latvia which local experts are investigating further. Stag beetles may be found statewide. They have been found in captivity to make burrows and nest in soil and mulch. In the final larval stage, "L3", the surviving grubs of larger species, such as Prosopocoilus giraffa, may be the size of a human finger. People's Trust for Endangered Species, 3 Cloisters House, 8 Battersea Park Road, London SW8 4BG Registered Charity Number 274206 Website designed and developed by WATERS. Were particularly keen for people to record stag beetles in the counties on the border of their known range including Norfolk, Cheshire, Bedfordshire, Somerset, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Shropshire. Stag beetles are harmless and dont damage living wood or dry, treated timber. Although these practices continue, woodland and park managers are now much more aware of the need to retain dead and decaying wood as part of the ecosystem. Other known synonyms are:[3]. : Goyens J, Van Wassenbergh Predators: Bats, birds, and insect-eating mammals. Interface 12: 20150222. Overview [ edit] Dorcus curvidens male (left) and female (right) Paralissotes sp. So even if you dont have stag beetle populations in your area, its still worth doing this. The Stag Beetle feeds on leaves and sap and you may see them flying toward bright lights at night. Theyre nearly always found below ground and can be as deep as half a metre down. In the cocoon, it undergoes metamorphosis and, in the same way that a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, the larva becomes a stag beetle! While adults look too big and cumbersome to fly, they can. [1] Some species grow to over 12 centimetres ( 412 inches), but most to about 5 cm (2 in). Stag beetles can drown in them. The biggest threat to stag beetles is habitat loss. Found in Warminster, Pennsylvania. For other stag beetle facts and questions pleaseemailstagbeetle@ptes.org. Look for it in woods, parks and gardens in South East England in summer. The mandibles on the female are much shorter than that of the male, which can be as large as their heads. Most of the beetles in Pennsylvania have been concol3red annoying household pests causing immense damage to food products. (Arnett, Jr., Ph. They feed off damp, decaying wood, and may invade in large numbers if conditions are just right. ( Linnaeus, 1763) Lucanus capreolus, the reddish-brown stag beetle, [1] is a beetle of the family Lucanidae. As with our other list pages, you can click on the small 'X' in each entry to remove unneeded/unwanted entries in the result. Eggs are deposited in rotting wood. They only live for a few weeks after they have turned into an adult. Humans are also a threat to stag beetles. For information on how PTES processes personal data, please see our privacy policy. The list below showcases all Beetles related to the state/territory of Pennsylvania currently in the InsectIdentification.org database. Download our beetle ID guide for a closer look: A fully-grown stag beetle larva (grub) can be up to 110mm long. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. A stag beetle bite or wound from any of these three species will typically require a few days to heal, but have no lasting effects. See the fascinating transformation from caterpillar to butterfly! Omissions? As with most of the species of the Lucanidae, sexual dimorphism is pronounced, and the male of Lucanus capreolus is larger than the female and armed with mandibles in the form of antlers. The adult lives on the ground in woods. Adults may come out at night and hang out . Lamprima aurata (purple male) 14-32mm. These are large insects with rather threatening looking mandibles. The giant stag beetle, also known as the elephant stag beetle, can be found in the woodlands of North America ranging from Virginia and North Carolina to the northeastern United States. illustrated by Des Helmore A relatively large lucanid beetle of the genus Lucanus, the male has long, curved upper jaws, resembling a sickle. Leave it where it is (unless its in immediate danger of being run over or trodden on) and then record your sighting. During a battle the main objective is to dislodge its opponent's tarsal claws with its mandible, thus disrupting their balance. A brief look at a Stag Beetle changing direction. [7], The Lucanidae have (male-only) antlers. Female stagbeetles prefer light soils which are easier to dig down into and lay their eggs. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). In many species the elaborately branched and toothed mandibles may be as long as the beetle itself. This is a really cool insect because they can fight. These cookies help us record anonymous data about how people are using our website. One Buprestis aurulenta larva emerged after 51 years. A stag beetles head and thorax (middle section) are shiny black and their wing cases are chestnut brown. Male beetles appear to have huge antlers. The beetle battles by trying to grab an opponent with its enlarged mandibles and then throw the opponent into the air. Longhorned beetles, identified by their lengthy antennae, may also bite. The stag beetle is our largest land beetle and the males have characteristic 'antlers'- but don't worry, they are harmless. Great for teachers, homeschoolers and parents alike! i love deer and stag beetle i will shot deer and stag beetels, I live in north america so i cant find these :(. Changes in weather patterns are also likely to have an impact on stag beetles. Be sure to check if your parent or guardian is okay with this first. The largest (giant) stag beetle in South Carolina is Lucanus elaphus. 100% of the profits go directly to help wildlife both in the UK an overseas. If you have ever seen a stag beetle, you would remember it. Despite their massive size and popularity, their ideal living habitats are still unknown. No doubt they are attracted by the smell of the larvae and quite probably by their stridulation as well; foxes have very acute senses. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer. Female stag beetles are usually smaller than the males, with smaller mandibles that are much more powerful than the males'. J. R. Soc. Stag beetle Scientific name: Lucanus cervus Famous for its fearsome jaws, the stag beetle does not have the bite to match. Blizzards of reports have surfaced on social media and elsewhere, from nearly all quarters of Ohio and beyond. The answer to this question is a bit complicated because their enormous antlers are enlarged mandibles, which are totally useless for eating, but can give you the odd pinch, of course. Stag beetles, and loads of other mini-beasts, would much prefer that you left rotting wood alone. For instance, the saw-toothed grain beetle infests cereals and flour, while the larder beetle spoils cornmeal and dry pet food. Stag beetles love dry areas that dont get too much rain, and soft soil for digging. Although they can fly, females are usually seen walking around on the ground. A collaborative conservation study across EuropeAn article from Insect Conservation and Diversity, by Harvey and Gange. Found in Warminster, Pennsylvania. Eric P. Benson, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Extension Entomologist, Clemson University. The list below showcases all Pennsylvania Insects (1,223 Found) currently in the InsectIdentification.org database. Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.InsectIdentification.org. Stag beetles are one of the most spectacular insects in the UK. explore and learn delivered straight to your inbox. As a base, put dirt or store-bought bug bedding in the case for the beetle. What does a bite from a beetle look like? In the UK, stag beetles are suffering from habitat loss. In some cases, however, the mandibles are large enough to be a handicap to the beetles movement. Stag beetle larvae need dead wood to feed on as they grow and develop throughout their long lives underground, so the most important thing you can do to attract stag beetles into your garden is to retain dead wood and tree stumps. The name refers to the resemblance of the antennae to deer antlers. Despite their often fearsome appearance, they are not normally aggressive to humans. Humans are, unfortunately, a direct threat to stag beetles. It is one of seven Lucanid beetle species found in the state. Wet and windy weather can inhibit adult beetles flying ability. During their short adult lives, male stag beetles spend their days sunning themselves to gather strength for the evenings activities of flying in search of a mate. stag beetle, (family Lucanidae), also called pinching bug, 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. The beetle most often mistaken for a female stag beetle is the lesser stag beetle. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Binomial name. Stag beetles live in woodland edges, hedgerows, traditional orchards, parks and gardens throughout Europe, including Britain, but not Ireland. Also please keep a special eye open if youre visiting the following places: Richmond Park, Wimbledon Common, the New Forest and Epping Forest. Stag beetles are a family of about 1,200 species of beetles in the family Lucanidae, currently classified in four subfamilies. Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers. You may see adult stag beetles on pavements, when theyve landed from one of their distinctive upright flights, which sound a bit like a tiny fighter plane. You can act now by choosing to give to our cause. These magnificent beetles are Red listed in many European countries and have undergone a decline across Europe. Stag beetles are only in the adult stage for a few months, mainly from May to August. [4] The giant stag beetle (Lucanus elaphus) is the largest insect in the US that requires dead wood. Stag beetle fast facts Alternative common names: European stag beetle, greater stag beetle Scientific name: Lucanus cervus Length, including mandibles/jaws: males 35-75mm long, females 30-50mm long Weight: 2-6 grams Average lifespan: 3-7 years UK status: Native UK population: Unknown (you can help scientists find out) Males have large antler-like jaws, female jaws are much smaller. As with our other list pages, you can click on the small 'X' in each entry to remove unneeded/unwanted entries in the result. Stag beetles are in the insect family Lucanidae. On Jul 16, 2008, unti87 from Cary, IL wrote: This guy landed on me near a corn field on 7-12-08. We'd love to tell you about our conservation work through our regular newsletter Wildlife World, and also how you can save endangered species through volunteering, taking action or donating. Private gardens can be vital habitats for stag beetles as they can use decaying wood in the soil to feed on and as a protected place to lay their eggs. Three species of 17-year periodical cicadas, Magicicada septendecim, M. Male Japanese stag beetles (Prosopocoilus inclinatus) have battles to defend territories to earn the opportunity to mate with females. The stag beetle is a family of large, hard-shelled, flying insects whose distinguishing trait is the ability to consume rotting wood as a larva. The most obvious problem for stag beetles is a significant loss of habitat. Males are often seenflying around at dusk searching for a mate. It is absolutely avoidable. (2006). Make sure your pond has an escape route. The information that you provide will be held by Peoples Trust for Endangered Species. Adult males use their jaws to fight rivals and impress potential mates, while females dig deep under dead wood to lay up to 21 precious eggs. The winning male gets the opportunity to mate. The larvae feed for several years on rotting wood, growing through three larval stages until eventually pupating inside a pupal cell constructed from surrounding wood pieces and soil particles. If the purpose isn't breeding, 5 centimeters (about 2 inches) is fine. By opening their thick front wings, they unfold their membranous back wings and take off, not unlike a giant B-52 bomber. Lucaninae If you find an adult stag beetle,please leave it where it is, unless its in danger of being run over or trodden on. Thankyou for putting this up on your website because I really liked learning about these! Range: Southern and central Europe. [2]. It is 2235mm long. Stag beetle larvae are occasionally found in sleepers and fencing in gardens, but this is only where the wood is in contact with the soil and is already rotting down. Parts of Canada their ideal living habitats are still unknown you agree our. Tarsal claws with its mandible, thus disrupting their balance provide will be.... 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