Stag beetles

Members of the Lucanidae family are better recognized for their striking mandibles, often reminiscent of deer antlers, which has earned the males among them the enchanting nickname of 'stag beetles.' These formidable appendages, however, are not used for feeding but are instead vital in male-to-male combat during mating season, a testament to evolution's crafting of specialized structures for specific purposes. Contrary to what one might guess, these beetles are not aggressive towards humans and primarily feed on plant sap and decaying wood. Their larval stage, which can last several years, is primarily spent hidden, consuming rotting wood, playing a crucial ecological role in nutrient cycling and forest health.