STAG-BEETLES. 



73 



Fig. 79. — Lucanus elaphus, Fab. After Fitchs. 



resemble "white grubs," only they do not eat the roots of 

 plants, but bore into the solid wood of the trunks and roots of 

 trees, reducing- it to coarse sawdust. In most cases the larva 

 requires a number of years to reach its full size. 



Stag-beetles are of but little economic importance, but as 

 their forms are very striking, they are of much popular interest. 

 The illustration, Fig. 79, shows the male of the large stag- 

 beetle (Lucanus elaphus Fab-), which does not seem to be found 

 in Minnesota, and Fig. 80 that of (L. daina, Thumb.), which is 

 fairlv common in our state. 



THE STAG-BEETLE. 



(Lucanus daina Thunb.). 



The male of this large beetle has the upper jaws or mandi- 

 bles largely developed ; they are curved like a sickle, and possess 

 a small tooth near the middle of the inner margin ; the female has 

 smaller jaws, also toothed. Large specimens measure about two 



