Post by trehopr1 on Dec 28, 2020 22:45:49 GMT -8
The Rainbow Stag Beetle (Phalacrognathus muelleri) is easily one of THE most recognizable
lucanid species --- next to say Lucanus cervus.
The species is found in northern Queensland Australia and New Guinea. It is the only species
in its genus, Phalacrognathus, which is closely related to the genus Lamprima.
The species is divided into the following 2 subspecies:
Phalacrognathus muelleri muelleri (Queensland, Australia)
Phalacrognathus muelleri fuscomicans (New Guinea)
The species was first named in 1885 (Macleay) and it can come in red, green, black, and even
blue color forms (the rarest color of the lot to find). Often, most specimens feature a variable
mix of Green & Red combined.
Males of the species are the largest members of the Lucanidae in Australia and as with most male
lucanid species they come in a range of sizes. Somewhere usually between 25-70mm. Naturally, large
males with well pronounced jaws and good coloration garner the lion's share of attention among beetle
enthusiasts.
Now, even though the species is well known by most folks who have a inordinate fondness for beetles; I
thought I would show a somewhat recent acquisition and triumph of my own. As a enthusiast of all things
6-legged I only really "dabble" in Coleoptera (here and there) as Lepidoptera are still my first love
among insects. However, when I do "dabble" I try to get THE best possible example of something that catches
my interest.
So, below I offer a glimpse of my 58mm specimen of this remarkable species.
Though there are certainly still more colorful examples and larger ones of this as well; I still remain
very satisfied with my example. It took me many years of waiting to finally acquire (what I regard) as
a fine specimen. I took extra "patient" time to spread it in a lifelike posture and I marvel at it every time
I look upon the drawer it is in...
Currently, specimens of this size price out in the range of around $100 bucks (unless the color is especially unique or bold).
I can only add that a hundred bucks spent on any (one) specimen of insect is a lot for some of us and only rarely do I
have opportunity to treat myself to such luxury.
lucanid species --- next to say Lucanus cervus.
The species is found in northern Queensland Australia and New Guinea. It is the only species
in its genus, Phalacrognathus, which is closely related to the genus Lamprima.
The species is divided into the following 2 subspecies:
Phalacrognathus muelleri muelleri (Queensland, Australia)
Phalacrognathus muelleri fuscomicans (New Guinea)
The species was first named in 1885 (Macleay) and it can come in red, green, black, and even
blue color forms (the rarest color of the lot to find). Often, most specimens feature a variable
mix of Green & Red combined.
Males of the species are the largest members of the Lucanidae in Australia and as with most male
lucanid species they come in a range of sizes. Somewhere usually between 25-70mm. Naturally, large
males with well pronounced jaws and good coloration garner the lion's share of attention among beetle
enthusiasts.
Now, even though the species is well known by most folks who have a inordinate fondness for beetles; I
thought I would show a somewhat recent acquisition and triumph of my own. As a enthusiast of all things
6-legged I only really "dabble" in Coleoptera (here and there) as Lepidoptera are still my first love
among insects. However, when I do "dabble" I try to get THE best possible example of something that catches
my interest.
So, below I offer a glimpse of my 58mm specimen of this remarkable species.
Though there are certainly still more colorful examples and larger ones of this as well; I still remain
very satisfied with my example. It took me many years of waiting to finally acquire (what I regard) as
a fine specimen. I took extra "patient" time to spread it in a lifelike posture and I marvel at it every time
I look upon the drawer it is in...
Currently, specimens of this size price out in the range of around $100 bucks (unless the color is especially unique or bold).
I can only add that a hundred bucks spent on any (one) specimen of insect is a lot for some of us and only rarely do I
have opportunity to treat myself to such luxury.
