Stag Beetles?

Question

Recently, at a park, I found a few stag beetles digging in some of the bark on the ground. I put one in a jar and took it home. Does anyone have any idea on what to feed it?

Also, I live in Utah, and I have not found a source that says they are indiginous here... should this be happening?

Answer 1

Stag Beetles do not eat. They can't eat any solids. Their enormous antlers are enlarged mandibles which are totally useless for eating, but can give you the odd pinch, of course.

But,they are rather partial to sweet,juicy fruits such as melon.

Or feed on rotten wood.

It's not a good idea to keep one at home,the whole point of the stag beetles adult life is to mate,so by putting 'em in a box or whatever,you are stopping this.

Answer 2

Habitat:

Broad-leaved woodlands, especially oak, but also parks and gardens where there are hedgerows, tree stumps and logs.

Size:

Dark, violet-brown elytra (wing cases) with reddish-brown antlers (female's antlers are much smaller than the male's). Larva is creamy-white.

Life-span:

The larva lives 3-5 years. Adults live only between the months of May and August.

Food:

Larva eats rotting wood and roots. It is thought that the adult either eats tree sap or nothing at all.