Adult stag beetles (Lucanus cervus L.) live out in the open for a few weeks but prior to that they lead a mysterious life underground.
Below is a diagram attempting to illustrate their life cycle with a duration of 4 years [1]. However, it needs to updated because recent research points to a three year life cycle [2].
To view it just move the mouse pointer over the numbers. This way you can see the corresponding text appear in the box on the right hand-side of the life cycle.
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Stag beetles - All they need is love and wood
This life cycle was designed by Maria Fremlin, and illustrated by Carim Nahaboo.
[1]
The life cycle duration of “at least 4 years” is based on the following research carried out in Germany and The Netherlands, respectively:
[2] The current life cycle duration of “at least 3 years” is based on Maria Fremlin's research
carried out in Colchester, UK, listed below.
As it has attracted some attention there are some printable pdfs of the 4 years version:
Rink, M. & Sinsch, U. (2008) Bruthabitat und Larvalentwicklung des Hirschkäfers
(Lucanus cervus). Entomologische Zeitschrift, 118 (5): 229-236.
Smit, J.T. & Hendriks, P. (2005) Broedstoven voor vliegende herten - Breeding sites for stag beetles. [PDF]
1. Rearing trial in a terrarium in a well ventilated garage; eggs laid in July-August 2009, teneral imagos in September 2011 (unpublished).
2. Stump cut in 2009, two male stage beetles emerged in 21 and 23 May 2012:
Fremlin, M. (2010) Observation of a female stag beetle on a freshly cut stump. Nature in North-East Essex, 2010, 36-39. [PDF]
Fremlin M. (2012)
Stag Beetle Sightings on False-Acacia Stumps. Nature in North-East Essex, 2012, 76-80. [PDF]
3. Pile of freshly cut wood chips in 28 June 2010, teneral imagos in October 2012 (unpublished).
Last modified: Wed April 17 2013
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