Stag Night

[russjm]

I've had an ambition to find and photograph Stag Beetles for many years, but living "oop north" I've never managed it.

I wonder if anyone can give me any clues as to where the best places in the UK are to find them? And when would be the best time?

In the meantime I'll have to make do admiring the dead one encased in a paperweight on my bookshelves.

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by russjm

I've had an ambition to find and photograph Stag Beetles for many years, but living "oop north" I've never managed it.

I wonder if anyone can give me any clues as to where the best places in the UK are to find them? And when would be the best time?

In the meantime I'll have to make do admiring the dead one encased in a paperweight on my bookshelves.

The adults are out in early summer(may/ June) and around areas of woodlands where there are mature woodland trees and deadwood. I think that the SE has the best populations, London being one of the best.

They are local and have suffered decline over the years.
Other people here will probably fill you in on more detail with them.

[russjm]

Thanks for that, and the pictures you have taken are the kind of thing I'm after myself.

[Matt Smith]

This might help with the general areas, the interactive maps on the NBN gatweay may resolve it further.

http://www.ptes.org/files/1446_gsh_final_report.pdf

[russjm]

Thanks a lot Matt.