Specieswatch: now is the best time to see the stag beetle

At this time of year, the males, with their antler-like jaws, fly at dusk looking for much smaller femalesThis is the best time of year to see Britain's largest insect, the stag beetle, Lucanus cervus, with its distinctive jaws that look like antlers, hence its common name.The males, which reach up to 75mm long (3ins) look formidable but are completely harmless. At this time of year they fly at dusk looking for much smaller females. If you are very lucky you will see two males, jaws locked in combat, jousting for a female. Continue reading...