Life of the stag beetle and why they're so important

They have spent the first five to seven years of their life underground as larvae and now have just a few weeks living as adults.

These giants are important for their recycling and breaking down of dead wood and returning the nutrients to the soil.

A number of smaller insects and fungi depend on their activities, especially the wood-burrowing activity of the larvae.

Stag beetles are relatively widespread in southern England, particularly in the Severn valley and coastal areas of the southwest.

These treasures of British wildlife are not always recognised as such and many are stood on or crushed.

Stag beetles have been around virtually unchanged for millions of years, and are not equipped to survive in an urban environment.

Spotlight on: stag beetles. (Image: Helen Shalders)

Their numbers have declined drastically over the past few decades and the species is seriously endangered.

If you see one on stomping along a pavement or path please move it out of harm's way.

Despite being large (the male can be over 7 cm long), they are harmless as long as you don't stick your finger between the male's large mandibles, which can give a strong pinch.

Pick them up gently with finger and thumb on either side of the thorax (the middle part of the body, behind the head) and move them into a garden or similar.

They fly in the early evening in an upright uncomfortable looking manner, humming like a small plane.

They often land awkwardly, frequently on pavements and paths, where they need your help to get somewhere safe.

The recent rain and wind are probably giving them trouble, meaning that they could end up in particularly tricky situations.

Please show any children you are with how fascinating stage beetles are and explain why they are precious.

I'm Helen Shalders. If you'd like to join in with activities and courses I run look for Wayfarers Outdoors on Facebook and Instagram.

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