This female L. elaphus was found under a light, about 10:00 p.m. This photo shows the remarkable defensive posture taken by the beetle as I placed it on a foam rubber pad (gently) for photography.
Length, excluding mandibles, was measured at about 30 mm, including mandibles it was about 34 mm. Female of this species is similar to
Lucanus (Pseudolucanus) capreolus. It can be told apart by the dark femora, the multiple teeth on jaws, and the very smooth, not punctate, pronotum. Note also the rather pointed labrum, which is more rounded in
Lucanus capreolus (see comments below). Compare this female
Lucanus capreoulus:
Released in suitable habitat after this photo session.
Contributed by
Cotinis on 29 June, 2004 - 4:02pm
Last updated 19 February, 2018 - 8:40pm