Family: Lucanidae Length: 19-32mm This impressive species is dependent on dead wood for its larval stages. It was found in ancient woods, but probably became extinct in Britain in the nineteenth century. It is still found in continental Europe. Development from egg to adult may take several years. It is a relative of the Stag Beetle (Lucanus cervus) and the Lesser Stag Beetle (Dorcus parallelipipedus). All members of the Stag Beetle family have distinctive antennae. The first segment is long and thin and the whole antenna is bent or elbowed. Adults are metallic blue or green. The large jaws are more pronounced in the male. |
