Philippine Stag Beetle vs North American Snow Scorpionfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Philippine Stag Beetle North American Snow Scorpionfly
Scientific Name Cyclommatus elaphus Boreus californicus
Order Coleoptera Mecoptera
Family Lucanidae Boreidae
Size 50-110 mm including mandibles 3-5 mm
Habitat Mountains Mountains
Diet Wood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Southeast Asia (Philippines, Mindanao, Leyte) North America
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

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.

North American Snow Scorpionfly

A small dark wingless scorpionfly found in mountainous regions of western North America. It is active during winter months on moss-covered substrates.

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Did You Know?

These insects produce antifreeze compounds in their hemolymph that allow them to remain active at subzero temperatures.