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Syndesus cornutus
This 13 mm long beetle was a deep reddish-brown. The elytra were strongly grooved and covered the whole abdomen, slightly angled at the rear end. Thorax was rounded with a central longitudinal groove. The striking features were the black medially placed bead-like eyes and strong protruding mandibles, like fork-lift arms. Outstretched antennae looked comb-like with 7 "teeth". The forelegs showed slightly serrated tibiae.
Spotted under bright lights inside the house. Distribution: http://bie.ala.org.au/species/urn:lsid:b...
When I tried to turn the beetle over on it's back, it righted itself within seconds. Thanks to my husband Mark for the ID. The larvae feed on rotting wood infested with fungus. Family: Lucanidae (Stag Beetles) Subfamily: Syndesinae
Looking more closely I can see the elbows in the antennae. I jumped in too quickly and I cannot argue with facts. What a nice find, Leuba.
Based on CSIRO they do occur in Tasmania but not yet in Victoria. Another range extension. Sweet. http://www.ces.csiro.au/aicn/system/c_92...
Martin, I initially thought it was a Passalid beetle given the antennae characteristics but I am not so sure - the size (12 mm) and those eyes ! I was thinking more like a Lucanid ??