Reddish-brown Stag Beetle
Lucanus capreolus
The 'stag' mandibles are used like grappling hooks to flip rival males off tree trunks during mating disputes.
- Scientific name
- Lucanus capreolus
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Coleoptera › Lucanidae › Lucanus
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Deciduous forests, woodlands, and suburban areas with mature trees and rotting logs.
- Diet
- Adults feed on tree sap and fermenting fruit; larvae consume decaying wood of deciduous trees like oak and hickory.
- Range
- Eastern United States, Central United States, Southeastern Canada
- Size
- 22–35 mm (0.8–1.4 inches)
- Lifespan
- 1-2 years (primarily as larvae; adults live only 1-3 months)
- Active
- nocturnal
- Threats
- Removal of dead wood and stumps from managed forests and suburban landscapes; light pollution.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless to humans. While the mandibles look intimidating, they are used for wrestling other males. If handled, they may deliver a minor pinch; if this occurs, remain calm and let the beetle release its grip. Wash any broken skin with soap and water.
Lucanus capreolus (commonly known as reddish-brown stag beetle ) is a beetle of the family Lucanidae. The specific name capreolus is derived from Latin, meaning "roe deer" ( capreolus literally means "little goat"). The name refers to the resemblance of the antennae to deer antlers.
Photo: David Dodd, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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