Friday 5 July 2013

Stag Beetle


Stag Beetles have been flying along the windows of the houses up here on the North Downs.

One flew into my garage presumably confused by rabbit's light. Rabbit was tres unamused. He didn't like the look of this one bit.


It is Northern Europe's largest insect, scientific name Lucanus cervus



12 comments:

  1. Place it with some fantasy figures for a great action shot :-)

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    1. I fancied using it as a model but they are endangered so I put it out.

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    2. I good decision!
      I fancied more of a live action shot. Fangs mangling figures for real. That kind of action.

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    3. LOL.indeed. It was late at night and dark so my options were limited.

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  2. I bet those mandibles would hurt if they nipped you

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    1. Yah,but I think they are mainly used in male willy-waggling contests fighting over females. This is one of those beasts that live a long time, 7 yrs, but mostly not as an adult.

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  3. Nice one John I have not seen one here for a few years now. Good to know they are still about. I used to see a tot in Rochester up by the Vines. (For non locals that won't make too much sense but John and myself are both local)

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    1. Yes, I know the Vines. They live in dead wood so as we clean up dead trees for H&S reasons we are destroying their habitat.

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  4. What a wonderful beastie, I have only ever seen one in a museum, sadly pinned to table. It must have been an amazing sight.

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    1. Watching them in flight is amazing. They look like some alien shuttle.

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  5. "alien shuttle" I like it...I've described them slightly less flatteringly on my blog...'slightly'? I've been downright rude!

    Hugh

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