Massive Beetle

JWK · May 23, 2009

I think its a Stag Beetle, I've never seen one before. It was walking around near my daughters place in Guildford. I'm quite pleased with the clarity of photos, taken on my mobile phone with my spare hand.

Dave W · May 23, 2009

Brilliant - hard to believe they were taken with a phone!

JWK · May 23, 2009

Thanks Dave, I couldn't tell what the photos were like till I put them on my PC. It didn't help because the beetle wouldn't keep still either.

Marley Farley · May 23, 2009

:thmb: Great pic John, they are awesome chaps... Yours looks like a male.. They are endangered species so thought you & others might like to read this from the People's Trust for Endangered Species..

stag beetle

Stag beetles (Lucanus cervus) are Britainâ??s largest terrestrial beetle, named because the maleâ??s huge jaw-like mandibles look just like a stagâ??s antlers. They are one of most charismatic beetles we have. Historically, stag beetles have been recorded throughout much of Western Europe, though in many countries they are now thought to be very rare or even extinct. They spend about five years as white grubs underground and emerge as fully grown adult insects in spring. They are quite harmless â?? although they can give you quite a shock if they bump into you while flying around on summer evenings looking for a mate! For more information on stag beetles please download our stag beetle fact sheet.
reasons for their decline

The main threat facing stag beetles is a significant loss of their habitat. Many woodlands were sold for development in the inter-war years and many of our surviving open urban spaces have sadly been developed since then. â??Tidying upâ?? of woodlands, parks and gardens has led to the removal of dead or decaying wood habitats which is the stag beetle larvaeâ??s food source. Tree surgery operations such as stump-grinding of felled trees removes a vital habitat for the beetle. They are also vulnerable to being crushed by traffic or feet. And changes in weather patterns are also likely to have an impact. Exceptionally dry or wet weather is likely to substantially affect the larvae, whilst wet and windy weather can inhibit adult beetlesâ?? flying ability.
how you can help

Have a look at ways you can help stag beetles in the stag beetle monitoring section.
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Alice · May 23, 2009

What a handsome fellow. Great shot. Thank you for posting it.

pete · May 23, 2009

I've never come across one of these but have heard about them.

They are great pictures John, and a very good idea to let it crawl all over you in order for us to get an idea of the size.:gnthb:

youngdaisydee · May 23, 2009

I know he's a Gardeners friend but come on, I wouldn't describe him as handsome.. Great pics John..

capney · May 23, 2009

You learn some stuff in these boxes...
A real treat to learn and see one in this country.
robert

strongylodon · May 23, 2009

That is a whopper, haven't seen many here, used to when I lived in Hampshire but not that big.:gnthb:

JWK · May 23, 2009

Marley, thanks for the info. I hadn't realised they could fly. We have had quite a few Maybugs this year, they make quite a noise banging into our windows, but this fellow is twice their size and must be quite a sight to see flying.

walnut · May 23, 2009

Great shots John a beautiful specimen.:thumb:

Kedi-Gato · May 24, 2009

What a wonderful beetle and great shots - very well done! :gnthb::gnthb:

I'm green with envy at such a find.

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Massive Beetle

JWK Gardener Staff Member

Dave W Total Gardener

JWK Gardener Staff Member

Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

Alice Gardener

pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

youngdaisydee Gardener

capney Head Gardener

strongylodon Old Member

JWK Gardener Staff Member

walnut Gardener

Kedi-Gato Gardener

Massive succulent ID

MASSIVE administrative cock up

massive opium poppy

Bargain Massive Bargains on Leaf Blowers

Just given my Liriodendron (Tulip) tree a massive hair cut..

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Massive Beetle

JWK Gardener Staff Member

Dave W Total Gardener

JWK Gardener Staff Member

Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

Alice Gardener

pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

youngdaisydee Gardener

capney Head Gardener

strongylodon Old Member

JWK Gardener Staff Member

walnut Gardener

Kedi-Gato Gardener

Massive succulent ID

MASSIVE administrative cock up

massive opium poppy

Bargain Massive Bargains on Leaf Blowers

Just given my Liriodendron (Tulip) tree a massive hair cut..

Share This Page

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