STAG BEETLE

STAG BEETLE

Lucanus placidus
STAG BEETLES (Lucanidae)

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This beetle is very dark reddish brown to black. It is about 1 to 1 ½ inches long (19-32 mm). Antennae are about 10 segmented and often elbowed. The elytra are punctate.

 

It prefers sandy areas and comes to lights. Its occurrence at Fontenelle Forest is not known. This one was found at Neale woods coming to lights.

 

The larvae feed in dead or decaying logs and stumps. Males fight, sometimes in the open, as on lawns.

 

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