Lesser Stag Beetle (f) Dorcus parallelipipedus 1d
I've included this photo even though most of it is out of focus because it is the clearest view of the single tooth on the middle leg tibia, a distinguishing mark for this species. A female Stag Beetle (Lucanus), though normally browner than the Lesser Stag Beetle is sometimes also black. However, she has two teeth on her middle tibia. Thanks, as often, to Michael Chinery, who managed to pack so much good information into his Insects of Britain and Western Europe.
Female Lesser Stag Beetle, Dorcus parallelipipedus, struggling for balance on an umbellifer stem that wasn't sturdy enough to take its weight comfortably. Stream-side vegetation by the River Itchen footpath between Garnier Road and St Cross, Winchester, Hampshire, UK, 29th May 2011.
Lesser Stag Beetle (f) Dorcus parallelipipedus 1d
I've included this photo even though most of it is out of focus because it is the clearest view of the single tooth on the middle leg tibia, a distinguishing mark for this species. A female Stag Beetle (Lucanus), though normally browner than the Lesser Stag Beetle is sometimes also black. However, she has two teeth on her middle tibia. Thanks, as often, to Michael Chinery, who managed to pack so much good information into his Insects of Britain and Western Europe.
Female Lesser Stag Beetle, Dorcus parallelipipedus, struggling for balance on an umbellifer stem that wasn't sturdy enough to take its weight comfortably. Stream-side vegetation by the River Itchen footpath between Garnier Road and St Cross, Winchester, Hampshire, UK, 29th May 2011.