Post by trehopr1 on Dec 1, 2020 20:39:14 GMT -8
Here, in eastern North American relict woodlands one of the "grandest" prizes
a collector of beetles may encounter is the Elephant Stag beetle (Lucanus elephus).
You could say the species IS the "porsche" of stag beetles here; there is no substitute !
The adults begin emerging from their long slumber about the 2nd or 3rd week of June and
continue doing so until the end of July. Of coarse, males are the notable ones (for their appearance)
whilst females are smaller and un-adorned like their mates.
Now, depending on such factors as competition for food, food availability, quality of food, and
stress (just to mention a few); you will likely encounter males of varying sizes with "racks"/mandibles
of equally varying dimensions.
The species is prevalent pretty much throughout the whole of Appalachia. I have done pretty well
in finding it in the far southern counties of Illinois (lots of relict forest/wildlife areas).
The males are most certainly "temperamental" beasties which hold their jaws (mandibles) wide agape
and "threatening" at any bother. Ha, just try holding one ! They are imposing... which is why most folks leave
them alone if they notice them.
In terms, of size robust males are right around 60+mm (maybe up to 63mm); AND very impressive in the dimensions
of their "racks". I have only found 6 really big males whilst the rest are lesser and yet still impressive
none the less !
Below, I show 3 sizes of males which may be encountered *(small/medium/large). With each "exponential" increase
in (general) size you encounter a beastie with not only better developed mandibles but, also mandibles of "thicker"
proportions.
*Also, pay particular attention to the terminal end of the mandibles (with each jump in size).
The "forked" ends are just that much more longer and pointed !
A nice male but, on the "small" side...
A quite nice medium/average male --- a worthy prize.
and then there is ole' bodacious himself... 60mm of "junk-yard dog" attitude....
Are these things not great or what !
Hope you enjoyed the article.
a collector of beetles may encounter is the Elephant Stag beetle (Lucanus elephus).
You could say the species IS the "porsche" of stag beetles here; there is no substitute !
The adults begin emerging from their long slumber about the 2nd or 3rd week of June and
continue doing so until the end of July. Of coarse, males are the notable ones (for their appearance)
whilst females are smaller and un-adorned like their mates.
Now, depending on such factors as competition for food, food availability, quality of food, and
stress (just to mention a few); you will likely encounter males of varying sizes with "racks"/mandibles
of equally varying dimensions.
The species is prevalent pretty much throughout the whole of Appalachia. I have done pretty well
in finding it in the far southern counties of Illinois (lots of relict forest/wildlife areas).
The males are most certainly "temperamental" beasties which hold their jaws (mandibles) wide agape
and "threatening" at any bother. Ha, just try holding one ! They are imposing... which is why most folks leave
them alone if they notice them.
In terms, of size robust males are right around 60+mm (maybe up to 63mm); AND very impressive in the dimensions
of their "racks". I have only found 6 really big males whilst the rest are lesser and yet still impressive
none the less !
Below, I show 3 sizes of males which may be encountered *(small/medium/large). With each "exponential" increase
in (general) size you encounter a beastie with not only better developed mandibles but, also mandibles of "thicker"
proportions.
*Also, pay particular attention to the terminal end of the mandibles (with each jump in size).
The "forked" ends are just that much more longer and pointed !
A nice male but, on the "small" side...
A quite nice medium/average male --- a worthy prize.
and then there is ole' bodacious himself... 60mm of "junk-yard dog" attitude....
Are these things not great or what !
Hope you enjoyed the article.
