The Stricken Stag Beetle

Lucanus cervus


Mr K found this striking creature on our garden path. The heat attracts them and is sadly a cause for many to die, crushed underfoot by accident or by misconception. 

They are an endangered species and completely harmless despite their look. Although I have a childhood memory of one locking onto my finger, probably in self defense, when I was a child. That is surprising as their jaws are actually very weak, but true all the same.

We thought it was dead, and ants surrounded it, but then it's legs moved. Bravely, I flicked it back over.  It definitely looked up at me, I'm sure  it said thank you. It went on its way.


Possibly it won't live much longer, but it was nice to give it a bit of a chance.