# Reddish-brown Stag Beetle

*Lucanus capreolus*

The 'stag' mandibles are used like grappling hooks to flip rival males off tree trunks during mating disputes.

- **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.

## About

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.

## Sources

- Plate: https://gaia-dex.com/species/de93442e-7fd9-47ed-88a5-420861f9e630
- iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/60812
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucanus capreolus
- Conservation status: IUCN Red List category, as recorded by Gaia-Dex
- Photo: https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/10145261/medium.jpeg (David Dodd, CC-BY, via iNaturalist)

Habitat, diet, size and similar notes are AI-written summaries; check them against the linked sources before relying on them.