Examples of species occurring in North America include Lucanus capreolus and L. placidus, which are common in the east, and L. mazama (cottonwood stag beetle), which occurs in the southwest. They feed on dead wood for several years before they are ready to pupate and develop into an adult beetle. | Main | Logarium | Stag beetles | North American Stag Beetles North American stag beetles are distinct from their Old World cousins one of which is the charismatic Lucanus cervus, the core of this website. Stag beetles spend most of their live underground. The next best thing is to build a log pile. Beetles that live in habitats that are getting changed or wiped out could be in trouble, and some beetles depend on certain plant species. 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. Two-thirds of them live in the western half of the country They are also called "Pinching Bugs" because of their big mandibles. Since stag beetles can fly into lawns or tunnel underground, controlling them is hard work. Cover water butts. There are more than 85 different species of stag beetles that range across the globe. If the plant goes, they go. In Britain, they are found in southern and southeastern areas of England. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. They can also be seen in plenty in the northern states all along the moderately hot spring seasons. In Britain, they are found in southern and southeastern areas of England. PTES is calling for people to take part in their Stag Beetle Weekend, on Friday 5 – Sunday 7 June. Why? In the United States, they live in the south from Arizona northeast to Nebraska and eastward. 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. Some species grow to 8 centimetres (3¼ inches), but most are about 5 centimetres (2 inches). Find out more about this beetle in our expert guide by the People's Trust for Endangered Species. Male stag beetles measure between 35-37mm in body length, whilst the females’ body length measures between 24-48mm. The most common stag beetles material is metal. A favourite in the Australian Wet Tropics is the Mueller’s stag beetle ( Phalacrognathus muelleri ), although you have to be very lucky to catch a glimpse of this impressive beetle. Why? They are most closely related to Scarabs (Scarabidae) and Stag beetles (Lucanidae). They are found in caves, salt flats, meadows and rain forests. They usually take up their residence in the timber and form their homes in the decaying remains of the tree having its root still attached to the ground. Broadleaved species (trees that don’t have needles) are best and make sure that the logs are either partially buried or in contact with the soil as this creates the perfect conditions for stag beetles. They become stronger by taking in the wet decomposing juices of logs and can attack and encroach in huge volumes when the conditions are favorable. Because they spend the majority of their life cycle underground, their distribution is influenced by both climate and soil type. Leaf litter, plants, and fallen logs provide a safe hideout for rhinoceros beetles during the day. Stag beetles spend most of their live underground. Beetles of New York Showcase listing of Beetles found in the state of New York. It is considered endangered. Cold weather is not suitable for stag beetles, as it can extend the larvae process. Stag Beetle Prevention. First and foremost, as stag beetles spend the vast majority of their lives underground eating rotting vegetation it should hardly be a surprise that … By entering your details, you are agreeing to Discover Wildlife terms and conditions and privacy policy. Females generally outlive males by a small amount, but even they only have an average lifespan of around 12 weeks. Stag beetles spend 3–7 years as a grub (young beetle) living in dead tree stumps and eating the rotting wood. Adult stag beetles can’t eat; instead, for the few weeks they live, they rely on the fat reserves built up during their larval stage. Including their large mandibles, giant stag beetles can reach nearly two and a half inches long. Male Stag Beetles are easy to recognise because they have a great big jaw, like a pincer. The most popular color? Stag Beetles have a long life cycle, lasting up to seven years from egg to adult. Some species grow to 8 centimetres (3¼ inches), but most are about 5 centimetres (2 inches). Because most of their life cycle is being a larva. Both males … Where do they live? Stag beetles are largely confined to southern England and are rarely seen further north. Stag Beetles love to live in damp woodland areas with lots of leaves and rotting wood on the ground, but unfortunately, these are also the kinds of areas that humans like to clear for houses, farming or to use for logging. Many beetles enjoy human gardens, since gardens are typically moist and filled with easy sources of food. Adult stag beetles can be seen between late May and August. If you do find one in a water butt, take it … Stag beetle larvae live underground. ). Back from the Brink’s Ancients of the Future project aims to find new sites for stag beetles particularly at the edge of their range. To find out how to identify larva in this PDF guide by the PTES. Most Stag Beetles live for only a few weeks after emerging as an adult, with many dying during the winter. Beetles are found throughout the United States - reaching as far out as Hawaii, Alaska, and territories inbetween. Others live in grain silos, caves, or the nests of ants, termites, birds, and mammals. Often found in tree stumps and in decaying roots, they feed on rotting wood for several years as they grow and develop before finally transforming into an adult beetle. Some are less than a fraction of an inch (1 cm.) The time depends on the weather. Stag beetles are largely confined to southern England and are rarely seen further north. First and foremost, as stag beetles spend the vast majority of their lives underground eating rotting vegetation it should hardly be a surprise that … Stag beetle guide: how to identify, and how to help them in your garden, People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), A Vulture Landscape – 12 months in Extremadura, Truth or fiction: we should be scared of harlequin ladybirds. Stag beetles can be found in Southern and central Europe. Rhino beetles are found in every state. Stag beetles are completely dependent on dead and decaying wood, so the easiest way to help stag beetles is to have trees and shrubs in your garden, and to keep any stumps if you ever have to remove any. Newl… No, this species feeds only on rotting and decaying wood; they can’t digest living wood. The larvae depend on old trees and rotting wood to live in and feed on, and can take up to six years to develop before they pupate and turn into adults. There are about 1,200 species of stag beetle living all over the world. The reddish-brown stag beetle, or pinching beetle (Lucanus capreolus), is about an inch long and reddish brown. | Main | Logarium | Stag beetles | North American Stag Beetles North American stag beetles are distinct from their Old World cousins one of which is the charismatic Lucanus cervus, the core of this website. The easiest way to avoid a stag beetle bite is to discourage the pests from coming into the yard. In their adult form, the beetles only live for a few months at the very most. The males’ intimidating, antler-like mandibles are designed for … Some beetles prefer to live in fresh water. Some live in rotting wood, under loose tree bark or stones. The more resemblance of the beetles' natural habitat you make the container, the longer the beetle will probably live. Thanks! There are beetle species for every environment, but most live on land. The Best 20 Gallon Fish Tank Guide – 2020, The Best Aquarium Vacuum Buyers Guide – 2020, The Best Goldfish Food Buyers Guide – 2020, The Best Aquarium Rock Buyers Guide – 2020. They can spend anywhere between three and seven years, developing from a larvae to an adult stag beetle. Beetles of New York Showcase listing of Beetles found in the state of New York. The work of entomologist Charlie Morgan during the late 1970s discovered that the pupae of the stag beetle live in the soil for about 3 months, then emerge in summer to awkwardly fly off to mate. As with all insects, the adult stage is only a small part of the life-cycle of the Stag Beetle though. Stag beetles spend 3–7 years as a grub (young beetle) living in dead tree stumps and eating the rotting wood. There are about 1,200 species of stag beetle living all over the world. PTES has been working to save stag beetles for over 20 years, and continues to raise awareness about the importance of dead wood and encouraging people to value old trees which helps stag beetles and other invertebrates. 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. There is a species of aquatic beetle that only lives in a few rivers in northern Michigan. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences.