Stag Beetle
Lucanus cervus
Length 40mm

Large and impressive beetle with reddish brown elytra and black head and thorax. Male has enlarged, antler-like jaws, used for battling with rivals for right to mate with antler-less female. Depends on a large and undisturbed supply of rotting wood, especially oak, in which larvae live and feed. Consequently, now rather scarce and found locally only in S and C England. Adults seen May-July.