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Stag Beetle
Photo: C & D Frith
Australian Tropical Rainforest Life
Stag Beetle: Phalocrognathus muelleri
This rare Stag Beetle belongs to the beetle family Lucanidae. It
is restricted to North Queensland rainforests, where it lives among rotting logs and tree
stumps and is eagerly hunted by collectors.
It is large sized with a metallic green and purple body sheen
that makes it one of the most attractive beetle species in Australia.
Named for the sometimes antler-like
mouthparts if some males, stag beetles are found in wet areas where their
larvae live in decaying fungus-infested logs. Adults, however, may frequent
the canopy feeding on nectar, young leaves, sap or fruit. Being nocturnal,
stag beetles are often seen although they are sometimes attracted to lights.
Australia is home to more species of stag beetle than most parts of the
world, although the majority live in the cooler southern forests. In the Wet
Tropics, they are most divers at higher altitudes. The most recently
discovered species is a flightless form known only from Mt Lewis. (Source:
Environmental Protection Agency)
Mueller's stag beetle is completely
dependent, in the larval stage, on dead wood which has been infected with
fungus. Found only in the Wet Tropics this magnificent beetle, which gleams
with metallic red and green highlights, has been called the most beautiful
insect in the world. Only the males have 'antlers' which are used as levers
during conflict. Each tries to pass them under the rival's body and, by
raising them, to dislodge their opponent. (Source:
Environmental Protection Agency)
The strong curved mandibles, or jaws, are notably longer in the
male than the female. Despite this armoury however, stag beetles are mainly vegetarians.
Stag beetles are kept as pets in Japan and can be
bought from vending machines. Recently one measuring 80mm, which was 1mm
longer than the previous record holder, changed hands for the equivalent of
$135 000. (Source:
Environmental Protection Agency)
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It
is against the Law to remove
Mueller's stag beetles from any National Park or Crown Land within Australia
or to attempt to transport them overseas.
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Although
Mueller's stag beetles occasionally visit the verandah lights at
Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge , most sightings are
achieved by keen enthusiasts who search them out.
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