Stag beetle, Lucanus cervus
Stag beetle, Lucanus cervus (submitted by NaturePlus user BecH)
Famed for its ‘antlers’ and wrestling style of combat, the stag beetle is the UK’s largest beetle. Males can reach a body length of about 7.5cm, although females are smaller. Despite their intimidating appearance they are harmless and are no cause for concern.
The male stag beetle has a broad head that bears a pair of disproportionately large, branched, antler-like jaws. Those of the female are small and simple in comparison. Both sexes are black with brown wing cases.
In the UK, stag beetles are mainly found in southeast England. Although they are common in certain areas such as London, they are in serious decline in the UK and mainland Europe. The People’s Trust for Endangered species keeps a national database of stag beetle records and you can add your own sightings via the Great Stag Hunt website.
Discover more about the magnificent stag beetle in this fact file
