| Although not
as large as the Lesser Stag Beetle, the Rhinoceros Beetle
is still an impressive species with a length of between
10-18mm. Both this and Lesser Stag Beetle, belong to the Lucanidae
group. The female shown, was found under bark on a long
dead Beech trunk at Holborn Hill Plantation in June 2008,
whilst the male in the upper two pictures, was found on
the trunk of a Birch at Sherwood Forest CP in May 2009.
The male has a horn-like projection above the head and
usually guards the entrance to the pair's burrow, whilst
the female excavates branching burrows, where she lays
eggs. The Rhinoceros Beetle is rare in the Sherwood
Forest NNR area, with just a couple of records. We have
also recorded this beetle on Ash, from Hills and Holes
SSSI at Market Warsop in 2008. |
