Dorcus
Scientific name: Dorcus
Dorcus
Scientific name: Dorcus
Photo By Dorothea Wischnat , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original Description
The Dorcus genus, belonging to the stag beetle family, captivates with its males鈥?oversized, antler-like mandibles, used in combat over mating rights. Contrary to some mythical tales, these formidable looking mandibles are not dangerous to humans. In fact, despite their fearsome appearance, Dorcus primarily feed on sap and decaying wood. The size of their mandibles can vary significantly, often reflective of their overall health and nutrition during larval stages, showcasing nature鈥檚 intricate dependence on environmental factors.