Friday 10 June 2011

Stag Beetles

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.

5 comments:

Jean said...

I'm glad you had your rain at last. I hope it is still warm for you, too. It's cold and grey here in Derbyshire this morning.

Stag beetles were seen in Le Grand-Pressigny when we were chez nous last week, although not by us, sadly, so maybe the weather is favourable for them to be out and about.

GaynorB said...

Good news about the rain. We've had a bit of rain here in Staffordshire, but not nearly enough.

A drought has been officially declared in East Anglia. Predictions are for fairly hefty increases in food prices as a result.

A reasonable balance would be good!

Sweetpea in France said...

Yes, a fire on Dorset heathland, gas and electricity 20% hikes forecast in UK. Petrol is 1.45e per litre yesterday! Surely France will follow suit so bang goes the value of my pension yet again. I watch the currency market every day... and kick myself for not making the currency exchange hoping for the right moment only to see it going sky high again!!!!!! ggggggggrrrrrr!
I have had a marvellous day and I hope all my blogger friends have too, despite the chillier weather in our region of France but thank goodness my citherne is fillingw ith water as it was getting dangerously low.. and just to compensate I WILL have to mow that lawn! No rest for the wicked!

Niall & Antoinette said...

Must be stag beetle season. :-) We had 5 males making a racket at the base of one of our lilac bushes recently. They were so noisy we got the flashlight and went to investigate and took some pics [they're on our blog]. Antoinette

Sweetpea in France said...

SweetpeainFrance repositioned these comments:
Carolyn said...
Just checking in to see your progress on the new house and what's going on with you.
25 August 2011 12:53

Carolyn said...
I'm missing your updates. I hope things are going well with the renovation and that you still take time to enjoy the summer.
30 August 2011 10:49