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Stag Beetle
(Extension, Purdue University)

Common Name: Stag Beetle

Order: Coleoptera

Family: Lucanidae

Pest Status: Stag beetles are not pests.

Appearance: Stag beetles are usually large (1 to 1 1/2-inch), robust beetles that are reddish to dark brown in color. Males have elongated mandibles used to joust with rival males.

Life Cycle: Females lay their eggs on or under the bark of dead, fallen trees. Upon hatching, the larvae chew their way into the tree and feed on the wood. Once they complete development (which can take several years), the larvae pupate in small chambers in the soil. When adults emerge, they search for mates. Adults can live one to two years, depending on the species.

Where to Collect: Stag beetles are attracted to damp, decaying wood, so they can be collected near stumps or rotting logs.