Lesser Stag Beetle vs Comb-horned Crane Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lesser Stag Beetle Comb-horned Crane Fly
Scientific Name Dorcus parallelipipedus Ctenophora ornata
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Lucanidae Tipulidae
Size 19-32 mm 15-25 mm body length
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Lesser Stag Beetle

A robust, matt-black beetle found across European woodlands. Unlike its larger cousin, both sexes have similarly sized mandibles.

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Did You Know?

Larvae take three to four years to develop inside rotting logs before pupating.

Comb-horned Crane Fly

A striking wasp-mimicking crane fly with yellow and black abdominal bands. Males have elaborate comb-like antennae used to detect female pheromones.

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Did You Know?

Its presence indicates ancient woodland because larvae require large-diameter decaying logs.