Helm's Stag Beetle vs Sculptured Pine Borer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Helm's Stag Beetle Sculptured Pine Borer
Scientific Name Geodorcus helmsi Chalcophora virginiensis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Lucanidae Buprestidae
Size 25-40 mm 23-32 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Oceania (New Zealand - South Island) Eastern North America
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Helm's Stag Beetle

An endemic New Zealand stag beetle found in the forests of the South Island. Males have enlarged mandibles used in fighting. It is a large, flightless beetle that lives in rotting logs in native bush. Several Geodorcus species are found only in New Zealand.

💡

Did You Know?

New Zealand stag beetles are flightless, having lost their ability to fly in the absence of land mammal predators over millions of years of island evolution.

Sculptured Pine Borer

A large North American jewel beetle with deeply sculptured elytra giving a textured appearance. Dark metallic bronze coloring.

💡

Did You Know?

The deeply ridged and sculpted elytra are unique among North American jewel beetles.