Changes in the UK Stag Beetle Population

The Stag Beetle – Lucanus cervus – is the UK's largest beetle. Males can be up to 75 mm long, including their impressive antler-like mandibles which they use to battle each other for access to females during breeding season. It is a truly beautiful species, inspiring amazement in all who are lucky enough to see one. Sadly, evidence from Europe suggests that stag beetle populations are declining across much of their range. But how are they faring in the UK? The south of England was historically recognised as a hotspot for the species. Is it still? A team of researchers from the People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), the Natural History Museum (NHM) and the University of Cambridge set out to find an answer. Distribution records of stag beetles from 1998 to 2022 were analysed and compared with historic museum records going back over a century. The core range was found to have changed little overall, but has declined in the south west of England. Counts of adult beetles recorded together, although not systematic, indicate a worrying decline in abundance across the range. Phenology was also investigated. This webinar will share the findings from this research project, and discuss what can be done to ensure the long-term survival of this charismatic species.

David Wembridge is Conservation Research and Strategy Officer at People's Trust for Endangered Species. He leads the long-running Great Stag Hunt survey, which has collected records of stag beetles in the UK for over 25 years.

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entoLIVE is delivered by the Biological Recording Company, British Entomological & Natural History Society, Royal Entomological Society and Amateur Entomologists' Society, with support from Buglife, Field Studies Council and NBN Trust.