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THE LIFE CYCLE OF A STAG BEETLE

TAKES AT LEAST 3 YEARS

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.

Life cycle

Stag beetles - All they need is love and wood


This life cycle was designed by Maria Fremlin, and illustrated by Carim Nahaboo.
As it has attracted some attention there are some printable pdfs of the 4 years version:


[1]   The life cycle duration of “at least 4 years” is based on the following research carried out in Germany and The Netherlands, respectively:
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]

[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.
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trial in a terrarium in a well ventilated garage; eggs laid in July-August 2009, teneral imagos in September 2011 (unpublished).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  Pile of freshly cut wood chips in 28 June 2010, teneral imagos in October 2012 (unpublished).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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