BEETLES

Reddish-brown Stag Beetle, Lucanus capreolus

Order: Coleoptera (Beetles)

Size: Up to 1 1⁄4"

Habitat: Woodlands, rural and urban areas with decaying wood

Range: Eastern United States

Beetles are by far the largest group of insects, with over 300,000 described species. They are noted for the hardened or leathery forewings that meet at a central line down the middle of the back, covering the membranous hindwings that are used for flight. The stag beetle is a robust member of the group, with a wide head, bent antennae, and formidable, toothed mandibles (larger in males) that are used in breeding battles with other stag beetles. The Reddish-brown Stag Beetle is uniformly shiny dark reddish brown with yellow-orange bases to the legs. The larvae use chewing mouthparts to feed on rotting wood, while adults feed on sap and wood juices. Adults fly during the night and are commonly attracted to lights.