loS COMMON BRITISH INSECTS. 



Stag Beetle, that of the other sex is still more severe, 

 the points of the strong, sharp, curved jaws being 

 made to meet in the flesh. 



At first sight it would appear that the insect must 

 be a carnivorous one, and that such formidable 

 weapons were used for the purpose of capturing and 

 destroying other insects. In reality the Stag Beetle 

 is essentially a feeder on juices, which it obtains by 

 wounding twigs and fruits with the sharp teeth of its 

 mandibles. If kept in captivity, it will feed on 

 moistened sugar, and has a curious way of flattening 

 itself on the ground, in order to reach the sugar with 

 its tongue. Indeed, it only uses its jaws as weapons of 

 offence, when it fights for the possession of the female, 

 or when it is captured and wishes to escape. It will 

 bite fiercely in such a case, and, if kept alive, will 

 resent with open jaws any attempt to disturb it. 



