LUCANIDAE

Stag beetles (Lucanidae) are a family of medium to large (10-90 mm) polyphagous beetles, with approximately 930 described species. Some are commonly known as stag beetles due to the large mandibles of the males.

They prefer to live in broadleaf forests and feed on sap, buds, and leaves. Females lay their eggs on old trunks, stumps, and other tree debris, where the larvae develop. Some species, such as *Lucanus cervus*, take five years or more to reach adulthood.