Garden invader

[Icyberjunkie]

I was really pleased to find this visitor and to have missed him when he nearly got run over with the lawnmower  :o

[Icyberjunkie]

[Mrs Ava]

How lucky to see a stag up close and personal!  So glossy and healthy!

[Heldi]

Wow lucky you. I haven't seen a stag beetle for about 15 years and that one was the only one I've ever seen.  Great photo!

[Georgie]

Wonderful pic.   ;D 

How big is it, looks a bit scary to me!

G xx

[Plocket]

You are so lucky! I haven't seen a stag beetle for years!

[dibberxxx]

lovely picture, i had a couple of stag beetles a few years ago but sadly not seen any for a while lucky you

[Gardengirl]

Never been 'up close and personal' with a stag - bit scarey :o  Bril photo though.

[aquilegia]

He's beautiful!

[MagpieDi]

Wonderful pic Icy !  ;D

[Icyberjunkie]

Wonderful pic.   ;D 

How big is it, looks a bit scary to me!

G xx

He was about 7cm tip to toe.   I see 1 or 2 every year.  Even more impressive when they fly but couldn't miss that opportunity for a picture.  Glad you liked it.

Iain

[wardy]

I've never seen one in the flesh.  It looks very scary  :o  What do they eat?

[EmmaLou]

I don't know what they eat, but one of my friends ate one once!  :o When I was a teenager I used to go to ATC (Air Training Corps) - we were on a night exercise and my friend decided to add the beetle to our rabbit stew!  Yuk! I couldn't bring myself to touch the stew! My friend took great delight in making everyone squirm whilst she munched it!

[Icyberjunkie]

Believe it or not the adult beetles are not known to eat anything!  Their larvae live in and eat rotten wood for a few years I think before emerging as the adults.   On rare occasions I think they can be offered and will accept sugar water.