The Cottonwood stage beetle is quite common in Arizona, but they are not as dangerous as they are perceived to be. Learn more in the article below.
Stag beetles are the often highly misunderstood members of the Lucanidae family. There are between 800 to 1,250 species in this family
These beetles are often considered extremely dangerous due to their appearance, simply because they have huge protruding mandibles.
The fact is, most of them don’t have strong enough mandibles to bite. The cottonwood stag beetle is one such insect found in Arizona, US.
In this article, we will determine if the cottonwood stag beetles are as dangerous as they look.
What Are They?
Cottonwood stag beetle (Lucanus mazama) are found in regions with loose soil and high temperatures.
As the name suggests, these beetles live in Riparian areas with an abundance of old cottonwood trees.
These insects have glossy back-colored bodies and can show an average growth of 1.02-1.14 inches in length.
Like other stag beetle species, they also have strong and long mandibles. They use these primarily to eat tree sap. They also have a hard outer shell and a pair of wings.
What Do They Eat?
As larvae, cottonwood stag beetles consume a lot of dead and rotten wood. They use their jaws to tunnel through rotten wood to find white rot to consume.
They like to infest deadwood of willow, oak, lime, and ash trees. Since they only consume rotten wood, small plants and shrubs are usually safe from these creatures.
The adult beetles usually don’t eat. They rely on the fat reserves that they gain during the larval stage.
Where Are They Found?
In the US, you can find these insects in parts of Arizona. Also, you can spot them in some parts of Southern Asia and Australia.
Proper stag beetle habitats are the areas that receive less rainfall and high temperatures.
These beetles also consume woodchips in playgrounds, so there is a high possibility of spotting them near such spots.
Are They Harmful?
As mentioned above, stag beetles have large mandibles that look similar to the antlers of a stag. The males usually have larger mandibles than the female beetles.
But the reality is that these insects are not aggressive, and they rarely ever attack humans. But that does not mean that you should throw caution to the wind when around them.
Both male and female cottonwood stag beetles can deliver intensely painful bites, which can cause redness, swelling, pain, and rashes.
While the pain usually subsides within an hour or so, it is best not to mishandle them.
Are They Poisonous?
The cottonwood stag beetle is not poisonous at all. They may look scary, but they do not usually attack humans.
But still, they pose a threat of delivering painful bites; therefore, you must not be reckless around them.
Are They Beneficial?
It can be beneficial to have these insects around your garden, especially during the mating season. Their larvae actively consume dead and decaying wood and vegetation.
Thus, they can be an excellent way to clean your garden of wood carcasses. Adding to that, they do not cause any harm to your decorative small plants and shrubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Cottonwood stag beetles eat?
Cottonwood stag beetle larvae usually consume the dead and rotten wood of cottonwood trees. They like to infest decaying ash, oak, willow, and chestnut trees.
The adults, on the other hand, do not consume anything; they rely on the fat reserves that they gain during the larval stage to stay alive.
Is a stag beetle harmful?
Stag beetles may look tough and dangerous, but they are non-aggressive insects. They rarely attack humans.
However, you should never be reckless around them as they have strong mandibles and deliver painful bites.
They have strong chewing muscles that can help them break past the human skin.
What happens if you get bit by a stag beetle?
If a stag beetle bites you, there is a high chance of experiencing intense pain.
Since they have mandibles that are strong enough to break past the skin, you might notice bleeding and redness in the area.
However, thankfully, these bites are poisonous. They won’t cause any fatal injuries or illness.
What should I do if I find a stag beetle?
If you find a stag beetle, do not approach or touch it recklessly.
Since they have solid mandibles and strong chewing muscles, they can deliver intense painful bites.
If you want to touch them, it is better to use gloves to stay safe.
Wrap Up
Cottonwood stag beetles and other giant stag beetles can look intimidating but these creatures are mostly harmless.
But since they have large jaws, they can deliver painful bites. You must be careful around these beetles.
At the same time, you should know that they are not poisonous. Thank you for reading the article.
