Stag Beetle vs Gypsy Moth Tachinid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Stag Beetle Gypsy Moth Tachinid
Scientific Name Lucanus cervus Compsilura concinnata
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Lucanidae Tachinidae
Size 25-75 mm (males with mandibles) 7-10 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Parasites
Regions Europe Europe, North America, Asia
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Stag Beetle

Europes largest beetle. Males have dramatically enlarged mandibles resembling antlers, used in wrestling contests for females. Larvae develop in rotting wood for 3-7 years.

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Did You Know?

Male stag beetles spend up to seven years as larvae feeding on decaying wood underground before emerging for just a few weeks as adults to find a mate.

Gypsy Moth Tachinid

A parasitic fly introduced to North America from Europe to control gypsy moths. It has an extremely broad host range attacking over 200 insect species.

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Did You Know?

Its introduction to North America is now considered a mistake because it devastated native silk moth populations.