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Stag beetles in woodlands

Why do we find stag beetles in our towns and cities?

Historically, as woodlands and wood pastures were replaced with human-centric habitats, such as farms and orchards, then eventually towns and cities, stag beetles found refuge in urban and suburban spaces. Today, stag beetles in the UK are therefore usually found in our gardens, parks and cemeteries. These areas suit them due to the warmer microclimate and the availability of old trees, as well as fence posts and sleepers.

Woodlands in Europe

Elsewhere in Europe however, stag beetles occur mainly in woodlands. A recent study in Poland looked at which forest type stag beetles prefer. They discovered that stag beetles favour oak stands, aged over 80 years (a stand is a group of trees of the same species and same age). 

Male stag in tree - Christopher Mullins

The results of the study also showed that 92% of stag beetle records were in forest stands (as opposed to roads, towns, woodland edge or cemeteries). It’s no surprise, as stag beetles are a thermophilus (warmth-loving) species and prefer natural open stands. Oak and oak-hornbeam forests offer a warm microclimate, particularly in areas with southern exposure.

Elsewhere in Europe however, stag beetles occur mainly in woodlands. A recent study in Poland looked at which forest type stag beetles prefer. They discovered that stag beetles favour oak stands, aged over 80 years (a stand is a group of trees of the same species and same age). 

The results of the study also showed that 92% of stag beetle records were in forest stands (as opposed to roads, towns, woodland edge or cemeteries). It’s no surprise, as stag beetles are a thermophilus (warmth-loving) species and prefer natural open stands. Oak and oak-hornbeam forests offer a warm microclimate, particularly in areas with southern exposure.

 

Male stag in tree - Christopher Mullins

Christopher Mullins

Can you help us look for stag beetles in woodlands?

Despite their large size and characteristic appearance, spotting a stag beetle is difficult. This is because they have such a short adult season and are mainly only active at dusk. But, if you know where to look, and the conditions are right (still, warm evenings), you may spot a male flying around trying to find a mate, or a female most likely walking along the ground.

So, are the UK’s stag beetles really confined to parks and gardens? Or is it because we are only looking for them in these areas? Are they still inhabiting the more open woodlands with sunny glades and plenty of dead wood? All questions we would like to answer!

That’s where you can help. If you own a woodland or you’re in one regularly, we’d like you to keep a particular eye out for stag beetles on warm sunny evenings from the end of May to the end of July. Stag beetles may be found flying, climbing a tree, or on the ground. Tell us about any sightings via our Great Stag Hunt survey.

Male stag - Peter Garwood

Peter Garwood

So, are the UK’s stag beetles really confined to parks and gardens? Or is it because we are only looking for them in these areas? Are they still inhabiting the more open woodlands with sunny glades and plenty of dead wood? All questions we would like to answer!

That’s where you can help. If you own a woodland or you’re in one regularly, we’d like you to keep a particular eye out for stag beetles on warm sunny evenings from the end of May to the end of July. Stag beetles may be found flying, climbing a tree, or on the ground. Tell us about any sightings via our Great Stag Hunt survey.

Identification

Stag beetles are most often confused with lesser stag beetles, their smaller cousin. The two main differences are:

  • Lesser stag beetles are quite small, around 2-3cm long, whereas stag beetles are 5-8cm.
  • Stag beetles are shiny and often have chestnut brown wing cases, whereas lesser stag beetles are matt black all over.
Beetle ID guide
Larval ID guide

Identification

Stag beetles are most often confused with lesser stag beetles, their smaller cousin. The two main differences are:

  • Lesser stag beetles are quite small, around 2-3cm long whereas stag beetles are 5-8cm ​
  • Stag beetles are shiny and often have chestnut brown wing cases whereas lesser stag beetles are matt black all over
Beetle ID guide
Larval ID guide


How to improve woodlands for stag beetles

Stag beetles rely on dead and decaying wood for the majority of their life cycle. The larvae live underground and feed on decaying wood for several years. 

The best way to help stag beetles is by keeping dead trees, tree stumps and fallen wood in place in your woodland. You can also build log piles. They also need more open areas where the sun can warm the soil, so creating open, sunny glades and rides will benefit stag beetles as well as wild flowers and pollinators. 

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