About Cottonwood Stag Beetle
A medium-sized North American stag beetle found near river bottoms. Males have moderately large mandibles.
Did You Know?
They are most commonly found near cottonwood and willow trees along river corridors.
How to Identify Cottonwood Stag Beetle
Cottonwood Stag Beetle (Lucanus mazama) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Lucanidae. Adults typically measure 22-35 mm.
Cottonwood Stag Beetle Habitat
Cottonwood Stag Beetle is found in rivers & streams habitats, particularly across Central and Southern United States. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Cottonwood Stag Beetle Diet and Feeding
Cottonwood Stag Beetle feeds on wood and bark, often boring into timber. Wood-feeding insects contribute to the decomposition of dead trees and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems.
Where Is Cottonwood Stag Beetle Found?
Cottonwood Stag Beetle can be found in Central and Southern United States, where it inhabits rivers & streams environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Cottonwood Stag Beetle can be found
Is Cottonwood Stag Beetle Dangerous?
Cottonwood Stag Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Cottonwood Stag Beetle Role in Nature
Cottonwood Stag Beetle is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Cottonwood Stag Beetle
What does Cottonwood Stag Beetle look like?
The Cottonwood Stag Beetle typically measures 22-35 mm.
Where is Cottonwood Stag Beetle found?
The Cottonwood Stag Beetle is found in Central and Southern United States and typically inhabits rivers & streams environments.
What does Cottonwood Stag Beetle eat?
The Cottonwood Stag Beetle feeds on wood and bark, often boring into timber.
Is Cottonwood Stag Beetle dangerous to humans?
The Cottonwood Stag Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Cottonwood Stag Beetle?
They are most commonly found near cottonwood and willow trees along river corridors.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Cottonwood Stag Beetle (Lucanus mazama). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/cottonwood-stag-beetle
MLA:
"Cottonwood Stag Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/cottonwood-stag-beetle.