Amazonian Stag Beetle vs Pinacate Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Amazonian Stag Beetle Pinacate Beetle
Scientific Name Sphaenognathus feisthameli Eleodes armata
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Lucanidae Tenebrionidae
Size 25-55 mm 25-35 mm
Habitat Forests Deserts & Drylands
Diet Wood Feeders Detritivores
Regions Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia Southwestern North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

Amazonian Stag Beetle

A striking metallic green stag beetle from South American cloud forests. Males have elongated mandibles with tooth-like projections.

💡

Did You Know?

Its brilliant metallic green coloration is caused by microscopic structures in the exoskeleton rather than pigments.

Pinacate Beetle

A shiny black desert beetle with spine-like projections on its legs. It performs a distinctive headstand when threatened.

💡

Did You Know?

Its defensive headstand pose is so well known that it inspired the Aztec name 'pinacatl' meaning black beetle.