Stag Beetles

[Steve H]

Tonight I saw my first two stag beetles flying over my garden
Up to two years ago you could just about tell from the weather that day if there was a good chance of seeing some the coming evening (similar to the weather when you just know the flying ants will be aloft),but due to the weather last year (and so far this year!) its pot luck.

Those balmy still evenings seem so long ago but this evening they seem to be taking advantage of a very light wind.

I will keep an eye out in the coming evenings in the hope of taking some photos if any decide to land.

Anyone else seen any so far this year?They never cease to fascinate me!

[cassiuscorvuscorax]

hi there, tonight 4th june 2008 i saw a cat in my garden trying to claw something which i thought was maybe a young bird so i went to see and there was this giant bug which ive never seen in my life! it then flew away. it was about 2 1/2 inches long 1 1/2 inch wide and im sure it was brown, although it was dark. ive been trying to find an image on internet to suss out what it was, i think it may be one of these stag beetles!

[Steve H]

Originally Posted by cassiuscorvuscorax

hi there, tonight 4th june 2008 i saw a cat in my garden trying to claw something which i thought was maybe a young bird so i went to see and there was this giant bug which ive never seen in my life! it then flew away. it was about 2 1/2 inches long 1 1/2 inch wide and im sure it was brown, although it was dark. ive been trying to find an image on internet to suss out what it was, i think it may be one of these stag beetles!

HI Cassius,
Where abouts are you located?
Funnily enough the next doors cat was running around like a lunatic as well (could hear the collar bell)..I would imagine from your desciption it probably was a stag! Amazing creatures,Britains largest beetle and the males look rather ferocious but they are not at all.
This beetle has an amazing life cycle and once an adult a rather sad and short demise! And thats not including predators (Cats/birds) killing them.
Cassius heres a shot from the WAB Gallery if this helps you ID what you saw?

P.s ..the female stag only has very small "antlers"

Steve

[agrumpycow]

Saw my first one of the year yesterday evening, unfortunately it was dead.
They do fascinate me, though, remember seeing loads as a kid but they seem to be getting rarer.

[mrs fish]

I haven't seen any yet this year but normally do on nice warm June evenings, it hasn't been too warm yet

[PMG]

Originally Posted by mrs fish

I haven't seen any yet this year but normally do on nice warm June evenings, it hasn't been too warm yet

Now thats one of those critters that I have never seen live and would love to!

Pauline

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by PMG

Now thats one of those critters that I have never seen live and would love to!

Pauline

You'll have to visit us southern softies then!

[PMG]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

You'll have to visit us southern softies then!

Thats the funny part - I've been down yon many times in various counties esp Suffolk, Dorset and Hampshire and still not caught up with some of the specialities - still thats what keeps brining me back!

Pauline

[mrs fish]

Well last night was a warm evening in June and guess what we found to-day

Mr Stag Beetle




He is not happy in the rain

[Ukwildlifeo]

Everytime Ive been around (and remembered) to go in my garden on a non-rainy evening Ive been finding both stag beetles + lesser stag beetles. Just been out taking pics tonight. I wanted one in flight (one was posing for a minute flying slowly at shoulder height before I went for my camera) but had to settle for a male, 2 females and a lesser stag. I'll put some pics up soon.