Giant Stag Beetle vs Dry Fork Valley Cave Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Stag Beetle Dry Fork Valley Cave Beetle
Scientific Name Lucanus elaphus Pseudanophthalmus montanus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Lucanidae Carabidae
Size 30-65 mm 4-5 mm
Habitat Woodlands Caves
Diet Sap Feeders Omnivores
Regions Eastern United States United States
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Giant Stag Beetle

The largest stag beetle in North America with impressive antler-like mandibles. Males use their mandibles in combat over females.

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Did You Know?

Their species name 'elaphus' means deer, referring to mandibles that resemble deer antlers.

Dry Fork Valley Cave Beetle

A cave-obligate beetle from the Dry Fork Valley region of West Virginia. Like all members of its genus, it is completely eyeless.

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Did You Know?

It can only survive in the constant-temperature deep zones of caves.