Jan 29, 2025 · It's not hard to see what makes the Giant Stag Beetle so fascinating. It is enormous, boasting lengths at 6 cm (over 2 inches). Large curved mandibles that look like formidable pincers grace the front of the male's head; …

Look for the giant stag beetle on rotting logs in deciduous forests in early summer, where males combat each other for prime mating locations and opportunities. They’re also attracted to lights (yes, they can fly), so you may find one on its back on the morning, under a streetlight.

Lucanus elaphus, the giant stag beetle, [1] elk stag beetle, or erroneously as the elephant stag beetle, [2] is a beetle of the family Lucanidae native to eastern North America. [3] [4] They are sometimes kept as pets.

Stag beetles comprise the family Lucanidae. It has about 1,200 species of beetles in four subfamilies. [1] . Some species grow to over 12 centimetres (41⁄2 inches), but most to about 5 cm (2 in). The English name is derived from the large and distinctive mandibles found on the males of most species, which resemble the antlers of stags.

Jun 20, 2017 · In the U.S., the giant stag beetle is the largest insect associated with dead wood. Including their large mandibles, giant stag beetles can reach nearly two and a half inches long. Despite their impressive appearance and popularity among insect collectors, their ecology and habitat requirements are relatively unknown.

Apr 9, 2021 · Know about the giant stag beetle and its identification. Get details about their life cycle, habitat, their bite, and if they are dangerous.

Dec 31, 2010 · The insect in the photo is, of course, a fine example of a male Lucanus elaphus – the giant stag beetle (family Lucanidae). This striking insect is easily among North America’s most distinctive and recognizable species by virtue of the enormously super …

Jun 29, 2024 · American Stag Beetle or Elk Stag Beetle. Incorrectly called the 'elephant' stag beetle, through misspellings of the specific name as 'elephus'. Very large. Body length 30-40 mm (males, without mandibles), 45-60 (males, including mandibles), females are 30-35 mm. Males are distinctive with elongated mandibles, huge size.

Lucanus elaphus, commonly known as the Giant Stag Beetle, is one of the largest stag beetle species found in North America. These impressive insects are highly regarded by collectors and enthusiasts for their substantial size, distinctive appearance, and intriguing behaviors.

Giant stag bee­tle lar­vae hatch from eggs laid by fe­males on suit­able dead trees. They then eat and grow for sev­eral years in dead tree stumps. When fully-grown, the lar­vae pu­pate for seven to nine months, emerg­ing the fol­low­ing June. After their emer­gence they live for …