This species ranges west into Oklahoma and Nebraska but does not occur in Colorado. The giant, elk, American, or elephant stag beetle (Lucanus elaphus) is enormous, the males reaching 1½ inches in length without the mandibles, and to nearly 2½ with them. (Presumably males battle there.) 3. From the ages of about 8-19 years, I lived in a house that had a nice backyard and was not too far … The hefty body and extended mandibles make the Giant Stag Beetle the largest Stag in North America. Lucanus elaphus, a species of stag beetle found in the eastern United States, is recorded from Nebraska for the first time. Larvae feed on decaying logs, stumps, where adults can be found in spring, early summer. Females might be confused with females of the reddish-brown stag beetle but have darker legs and a smooth thorax shield. Photo by Drees. Males have greatly enlarged jaws that may be as long the rest of the body and larvae develop in oak stumps. … Little is known about adult mortality sources, aside the fact that they are eaten by several bird species (Kletecka & Prisada, 1993; J. I. Giant Stag Beetle (Lucanus elaphus) Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Giant Stag Beetle. Lucanus capreolus, the reddish-brown stag beetle, is a beetle of the family Lucanidae.The specific name capreolus is derived from Latin, meaning "roe deer" (capreolus literally means "little goat"). 2. Eggs are laid in crevices of moist, decaying wood. Adults can be found at lights in early summer. Photo by Drees. Larvae take one or more years to develop. 1. Summary. Currently working on a characterization of the stag beetle, Lucanus elaphus, within Virginia based on observation data recorded here on iNaturalist. Adult life Adult life ranges from fifteen days to one month (Paulian, 1988), as supported by our own observations of imagoes kept in captivity. Species Lucanus elaphus - Giant Stag Beetle, ... Life Cycle . Photo by Jackman. Posts about Lucanus elaphus written by Maria dB. The name refers to the resemblance of the antennae to deer antlers. Overview Northern Virginia based naturalist interested in the distribution and ecology of Lucanidae (Insecta: Coleoptera). Researchers in 41 countries were contacted and information sought on various life history characteristics of the insect. Disclaimer: The Animal Diversity Web is an educational resource written largely by and for college students.ADW doesn't cover all species in the world, nor does it include all the latest scientific information about organisms we describe. Approximately one third of all forest insect species are saproxylic, meaning they depend on dying or dead wood. Stag beetle, Lucanus elaphus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Lucanidae), male. A well-known stag beetle found in the eastern United States is the giant stag beetle, Lucanus elaphus Fabricius. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. Stag beetle, Lucanus placidus Say (Coleoptera: Lucanidae), female. In addition to their importance to biodiversity, many of these species provide key ecosystem services – including the breakdown of woody debris and controlling pest populations. Data on adult body size were collected from seven countries. Elaphus occurs in these biological names: Cervus elaphus red deer Lucanus elaphus giant stag beetle Elephas, a genus of elephants Boileau, 1911 Lucanus elaphus Fabricius, 1775 - giant stag beetle Lucanus fairmairei Planet, 1897 Lucanus ferriei Planet, 1898 Lucanus formosanus Planet larger jaws than females. Horned passalus or “betsy-beetle”, Odontotaenius disjunctus (Illiger) (Coleoptera: Passalidae). 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