Look out for Stag beetles this summer
Volunteers across Britain are being asked to record sightings of spectacular stag beetles (or their larvae) this summer as part of wildlife charity People’s Trust for Endangered Species’ (PTES) annual ‘Great Stag Hunt’ survey.
Stag beetles were once widespread but due to habitat loss they are now declining and have even become extinct in some parts of Britain and Western Europe.
To prevent that from further happening PTES is calling for nature lovers, families, and individuals to help this summer by recording all sightings of male and female stag beetles, and their larvae (large, white grubs), online at: ptes.org/gsh
Stag beetles are easy to spot – they are the UK’s largest land beetles and the males are instantly recognisable with their antler like jaws.
From late May into July these iconic insects emerge from the ground in search of mates, and are usually spotted flying around gardens, parks and allotments on warm summer evenings.
They can also be seen on walls and warm tarmac surfaces in urban areas, and in other green spaces such as woodland edges, hedgerows and traditional orchards.
Laura Bower, conservation officer at PTES says: “Last year almost 10,000 sightings were recorded by thousands of volunteers, giving us a real insight into where their range is, which is crucial for the species’ longterm survival.
"More help is always needed though, so whether you’re out in the garden, dog walking in a local park, on the school run or even walking to the pub, keep your eyes peeled for these beautiful beetles and tell us about any you see.
"You don’t need to be a beetle expert or have taken part before, as PTES has a free ‘beetle ID’ guide to help anyone new to the survey to help them tell the differences between stag beetles and other insects.”
Last year 9,334 stag beetle sightings were recorded via PTES’ Great Stag Hunt, with the highest numbers spotted in Hampshire (2,115 sightings), Greater London (1,781), Surrey (1,277), Berkshire (876) and Dorset (754).
To take part in the Great Stag Hunt 2023, for top tips on creating the perfect log pile, or to find out more about stag beetles visit: stagbeetles.ptes.org