The lesser stag beetle is a cousin of the iconic Stag beetle (Lucanus cervus). It is the only species in the UK of the Dorcus genus.

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These beetles are relatively common in Cornwall but are still elusive and not commonly seen. We were fortunate enough to find several larvae in a rotten oak log near our home. We collected the larvae and raised them to adults in the safety of our garage.

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In May 2026 we checked the huge box of wood and found that our larvae had emerged as adults and had even began to breed as we found two tiny larvae inside one of the rotten logs.

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All the larvae and adults were released back into a large decidous woodland in South East Cornwall. Hopefully their population will continue to grow over the next few years.