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Stag beetle


Stag beetle
Photo Information
Copyright: Tanja Almazan (sily) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 238 W: 6 N: 391] (1893)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-07-04
Categories: Insects
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2006-04-12 17:01
Viewed: 767
Points: 4
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Lucanus Elaphus
Members of the stag beetle family (Lucanidae) can be distinguished from other beetles by their antennae. They are distinctly elbowed, and the terminal segments are elongated but cannot be folded tightly together.
Adults, despite the ferocious appearance of their mandibles, feed only on liquids. Males use their mandibles in battles of dominance to win the right to mate with a willing female.Larvae of Lucanidae inhabit old stumps and decaying logs, feeding on the fungus enriched wood. They do not live or pupate in the earth, all state that the larvae of these large beetles can require up to six years to complete development.Adults appear during late May to the August being most active in the evenings.They only live for a few months feeding on nectar and tree sap. Their slow, lumbering flight, usually at dusk, makes a distinctive low-pitched buzzing sound. The males fly more readily than females,they're predated on by magpies, badgers, foxes, hedgehogs, cats and woodpeckers.
Natural reaction of the beetle to an approaching large object is to remain motionless making them a good photographic subject. The males have enlarged mandibles and are larger than the females. Although the male's mandibles seem threatening, they are too weak to be harmful. Nevertheless, females can inflict a painful bite.
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To elefantino: Thankssily 1 04-13 18:15
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • chiliu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1494 W: 0 N: 1175] (6494)
  • [2006-04-12 17:23]

Hi Tanja,
Very nice macro shot!
The details are excellent, and with natural colours.
Thanks for sharing!

It's my favourite beatle!!
In Italy it's very rare now.

Thanks for posting.

Andrea

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