Philippine Stag Beetle vs Fluted Cape Stag Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Philippine Stag Beetle Fluted Cape Stag Beetle
Scientific Name Cyclommatus elaphus Colophon primosi
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Lucanidae Lucanidae
Size 50-110 mm including mandibles 18-28 mm
Habitat Mountains Mountains
Diet Wood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Southeast Asia (Philippines, Mindanao, Leyte) South Africa
Conservation Data Deficient Endangered

Philippine Stag Beetle

A striking stag beetle with enormously elongated curved mandibles in males that can exceed the body length. The body has a coppery to dark brown metallic sheen with amber-tinged elytra.

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Did You Know?

The mandibles of large males are so long and curved that they are nearly useless for actual combat and serve primarily as visual displays.

Fluted Cape Stag Beetle

A small, flightless, dark brown stag beetle restricted to a single mountain in the Cape region of South Africa. Males have short, broad mandibles with a single inner tooth. It is threatened by illegal collecting and climate change.

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Did You Know?

Illegal collecting of Colophon species for the lucrative insect trade has led to CITES protection for the entire genus.