Stag beetle bucket

[Blackdogjnr]

Hi,

I recently developed an interest in this little brutes and like the idea of burying a bucket for them.

However, is there a certain time of year that is best?
I think I may need to try and understand the lifecycle of a stag beetle in a little more depth perhaps, hmmm...

I'm also finding it hard to grab a handful or so of hardwood chips, I'm wondering if a mixture of pet wood shavings and a bunch of old chopped up branches from a tree in my garden might provide enough nosh for the larvae?

And finally, I live in the midlands and have heard that they are found in greater numbers down south, so is there really any point in me doing this?

Cheers gang

[Dan Salter]

There is going to be no harm in trying?...and if a stag beetle does not move in i bet something will?

Im about to start burrying upturned clay pots (preferably in a mud bank) with a hole in the bottom...(with a handfull of mouse/hamster type bedding inside apparently)...for bumble bees and other bees....

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by Blackdogjnr

Hi,

I recently developed an interest in this little brutes and like the idea of burying a bucket for them.

However, is there a certain time of year that is best?
I think I may need to try and understand the lifecycle of a stag beetle in a little more depth perhaps, hmmm...

I'm also finding it hard to grab a handful or so of hardwood chips, I'm wondering if a mixture of pet wood shavings and a bunch of old chopped up branches from a tree in my garden might provide enough nosh for the larvae?

And finally, I live in the midlands and have heard that they are found in greater numbers down south, so is there really any point in me doing this?

Cheers gang

Go for it. Like Dan said, even if it isn't a Stag, some beetle will appreciate it I'm sure, along with hundreds of other invertebrates.
Earwigs, woodlice, centipedes, woodlouse spider, would move in pretty swifty I bet.