Gentleman would Like to Meet......

Brilliant! I think these Beetles are fascinating and have seen them in our garden over the years.

Apparently, they can spend up to 6 years in the larval stage underground, so we are lucky to see them now and again.

Indeed, our log pile hasn't been moved for about twelve years so the rotting wood is possibly home to them.

Saw the male Stag beetle just after we removed the Cratagus tree, about 6 years ago, left the stump. Actually couldn't get the stump out but it is well rotted now.

I read a while ago that they are more often seen in the South and London ... wonder why that is?

Great beetles to have! I've only ever seen one, up on Exmoor. Kew have a stag beetle log pile and I stood waiting for ages but didn't see any... these are splendid close ups too!

Stera, you would have to have waited a long, long time. This female stag bettle is only the third I've seen here in 40 years. Thank you for the comment on the close up. Luckily they don't seem to move much.

I lived in South East London all my childhood and we saw loads of these as children. Sadly, not so much when we were adults. I hated them then as they flew right into your face and I still hate them, but I have to say the one in your photo looks magnificent.

Great blog and photos Siris!

They are scary looking aren't they. I havent ever seen one that I can remember.

Thanks Dd.
Karen, Mrs Stag is giving me the eye, which is ungrateful since I picked her up, carefully, and put her back on her legs. I think I was be a bit more careful with the male, with those pincers.
Lisam, come to think about my childhood, I think I saw many more than nowadays, but that goes for a lot of wild life, Thrushes, Siskins, all sorts of Finches.

Great blog. Put a smile on my face in this hot weather.

Thanks Jen, Mrs Stag looked as if she was doing the backstroke, waving her legs in the air.

Lol, she was lucky that you saw her to rescue her

It was lucky for us both that I didn't tread on her. It's been so hot here, I've been padding around the garden in bare feet.

Doesn't bear thinking of. I'm the same, bare feet when ever possible. :-).

Sorry last message came up that not sent so ended up doing it twice so then ended up having to edit 2nd one to this.

Not a problem Jen. Sometime you think it's not gone, lucky to catch it in time but then end up with a blank page.

I have seen the occasional one but not lately. Not keen on beetles or spiders!

(Had an adder near the pond. Went for my camera but when Ireturned it had gone.)

Will touch beetles and spiders, the later only if they keep still otherwise they tickle and that makes my flesh creep, wouldn't touch the adder, best left to get on with life.

Harmless, Hb, but they can fly, they'd soon overtake you, haha!