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Lucanus capreolus
This widespread species ranges from Ontario and Quebec to South Carolina, and west to Oklahoma and Nebraska. Males have much larger jaws than females. Size: 22-35 mm. When confronted by people, the male beetles may rear back their heads and open their mandibles, but actually these pincers are capable of little more than a very mild nip to a human. Male Reddish-Brown Stag Beetles fight with other males of their species over females. These adult beetles are nocturnal and feed on tree sap. They are also attracted to lights. The larvae feed on the decaying wood of tree stumps and fallen logs.
lives in deciduous forests and adjacent areas
This male looks like he had been in a fight one of his front legs was injured a bit. I gave him some apple juice and banana and he perked up, then released him.
Spotted on Jun 27, 2012
Submitted on Jun 28, 2012
3 Comments
They are awesome aren't they :)
I love these beetles.
I just realized the male I found is darker than most individuals who are more reddish-brown color.