IDENTITY RECORD

Stag beetle

SCIENTIFIC NAME

Lucanus cervus

DescrIption

I measure about 3 cm on average but can grow as large as 9 cm. I am the biggest and most impressive species of beetle in Europe. My name comes from the male’s mandibles that resemble the horns of a stag. The females look very different and are much smaller. My smooth and shiny shell ranges from black to brown in color.

Behavior

Diet

I feed on sap and ripe fruit.

Reproduction

I lay eggs in the earth.

Where and when can you find me in the reserve ?

Habitat

I live in the trunks of old oaks and lay my eggs in decaying wood.

When to spot me

You can see the adults of my species from May to July. It’s hard for me to be discreet as you can hear my buzzing sound from far away…

Conservation status

• Species of community interest as included in Appendix II of the European Habitats Directive.