Stag beetle
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 Male Lucanus cervus
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not a complete list |
Stag beetles are a group of about 1,200 species of beetle in the family Lucanidae. The most well-known species is the Lucanus cervus, a large beetle found in much of Europe, which is sometimes referred to as the stag beetle. Some species grow to 8 cm (3¼ in), but usually they are about 5 cm (2 in).
The name is derived from the large and distinctive mandibles found on the males, which are used in much the same way as the antlers on stags are between males competing for mates. Carolus Linnaeus named the best-known species Lucanus cervus. Pliny the Elder noted that Nigidius called the stag beetle lucani after the Italian region of Lucania where they were used as amulets.
Male stag beetles are not aggressive and will only attack when they feel threatened or for food and during the mating seasons. Although, sometimes, they are forced to fight against another stag beetle for women or when there is not enough space for both of the two. Male stag beetles have large pincers with some having pincers that are large but not too long while the others having a pair of small pincers although are long.
Female stag beetles are completely unaggressive because they are not as strong and as large as male stag beetles and also, their pincers are small and short and with some taking the appearance of some female rhino beetles.
 Male Lcanus cervus |
 Female Lucanus cervus |
[edit] External links
- Toma Libich. Goliathus.com: gallery of Lucanidae.
- Gallery of Lucanidae.
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