Monday 2 May 2016

The Lesser Stag Beetle

Hello everyone! It's good to be back again, after spending some quality time with our friends.We had been looking forward to this reunion for years, so even the persistant April showers couldn't dampen our spirits as we showed them the local beauty spots, and some other places of interest. I still have loads of photos to go through, and edit, so it might take me a while before I can start sharing the latest photos, but in the mean time, these are some I had already saved.



The Lesser Stag Beetle     Dorcus  parallelopipedus
 






Despite it's name, neither sex of this beetle has antlers, and resembles the female Stag Beetle.



It is smaller than it's cousin the Stag Beetle, but it is still a relatively large beetle. It has a broad head and can be distinguished from the male Stag Beetle, by it's smaller mandibles and knobbed antennae, and from the female Stag Beetle, by it's all black wing cases, and it can be seen flying strongly in the early evening, often attracted to garden lights.The Lesser Stag Beetle feeds on sap and their larve develope in old tree stumps and other rotting wood, and the beetles can also be found  in the soft decaying wood of broad leaved trees, and in gardens where there are orchards, old hedges and trees.
 

The Adults are from 18, to 32mm. in size, and are similar in appearance to the related antelope beetle (Dorcus parallelus) of North America
If you would like to see a previous post of the Stag Beetle to compare click here 

and if you would like to see more critters from around the globe and join in the fun, just click on the link. SATURDAY'S CRITTERS and my thanks to Eileen for hosting.

25 comments:

krzysiek86 said...

Super foto :-)

matti niilola said...

Hello, welcome back. The mighty beetle.

Bob Bushell said...

Oh wow, isn't it beautiful, the Lesser Stag Beetle is outstanding B.

Nancy Chan said...

Nice photos of Stag Beetle.

Mike Attwood said...

Hi Sonjia, Nice to see you back and what a way to come back.

Linda said...

Such amazing photos and a fascinating post. I have never seen a beetle up this close before! Thank you so much for sharing.

eileeninmd said...

Hello, so glad you are back with wonderful photos. The Stage Beetle is awesome, great closeups! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!

Christine said...

Hello and welcome back! My but April just whizzed by and here we are in May! Your photos of this beetle are just awesome! Its armour plated body is amazing! Thanks for sharing and best wishes for a fun week!

TexWisGirl said...

beautiful shots. glad you had a great break!

Irma said...

Hello, welcome back.
The Stage Beetle is awesome, great closeups.
Best regards, Irma

Teresa said...

Bienvenida. Las fotografías muy buenas.

Wendy said...

Your photos of the beetle are stunning. They do make me appreciate this little creature a lot more.

DeniseinVA said...

How lovely you were with your friends, and that you didn’t let the weather interfere with having a good time. The macro’s of the beetle are incredible!

Phil Slade said...

I know that bugs and "creepy crawlies" aren't everyone's cup of tea, but I just love them. All part of the wonder of the natural world. I'm in the Med this week.

Maude Lynn said...

Outstanding shots!

jp@A Green Ridge said...

Great close-ups!...:)JP

Stephanie said...

Super shots!

LEN said...

Not my favourite creatures although they are fascinating when you see them crawling across the putting green! Glad you are back.
LEN

Sharon Wagner said...

He is a very solid looking fellow. Great close up!

Zizi Santos said...

Lindas fotos de besouro!
bom que voltou!

Unknown said...

Wonderful close ups of the beetle!

Debbie said...

Very cool close ups!!

Aritha V. said...

Super nice close ups!
https://momentsfrozentime.blogspot.nl/

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Great work. It's an impressive looking beetle. The world is truly full of fascinating creatures, isn't it?

Helma said...

Beautiful macro of this beetle.
Even in the black color detials can be seen wonderful.
Very nicely photographed.

Greetings, Helma

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