Marvellous, magnificent beasts.
On Wednesday at Angles sur L'Anglin there was a beautiful Stag Beetle trapped by himself into a large builder's bucket and his glossy back was dusty. After a photo shoot he was let free and attempted to bury himself under a log. I let him be.
On Thursday at Village de Vaux a Stag Beetle fell one metre to the ground from a Laurel bush. He was shiny and feisty. Big Feet came to look and leapt into the air when her nose got too close. I suspect it emitted some form of protective liquid.
They have marvellous antlers which when the beetle marches forward hold together as if locked into position. It reminded me of a Roman soldier, strong, determined, ready to march many miles.
I haven't seen Stag Beetles for several years. Perhaps they like the warm, dry, conditions.
I will do some further research, report here later and add some photos. I'm just a tad pushed for time and need to be better organised for posting.
Meanwhile, let me tell you that we have had 14mm of rain since Monday.
These are interesting links:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-13710152
The sound of the larvae can be heard here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12138245
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12132360
With thanks to the BBC.
On Wednesday at Angles sur L'Anglin there was a beautiful Stag Beetle trapped by himself into a large builder's bucket and his glossy back was dusty. After a photo shoot he was let free and attempted to bury himself under a log. I let him be.
On Thursday at Village de Vaux a Stag Beetle fell one metre to the ground from a Laurel bush. He was shiny and feisty. Big Feet came to look and leapt into the air when her nose got too close. I suspect it emitted some form of protective liquid.
They have marvellous antlers which when the beetle marches forward hold together as if locked into position. It reminded me of a Roman soldier, strong, determined, ready to march many miles.
I haven't seen Stag Beetles for several years. Perhaps they like the warm, dry, conditions.
I will do some further research, report here later and add some photos. I'm just a tad pushed for time and need to be better organised for posting.
Meanwhile, let me tell you that we have had 14mm of rain since Monday.
These are interesting links:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-13710152
The sound of the larvae can be heard here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12138245
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12132360
With thanks to the BBC.
