Family overview
Males have spectacular, oversized mandibles resembling deer antlers, used in male-male combat. Lamellate antennae.
Larvae develop in decaying wood — important for forest nutrient cycling.
At a glance
Family facts.
Distribution
Worldwide
Habitat
Terrestrial · Wood
Approx. species
1,200
Notable members
European stag beetle, giant stag beetle, Hercules stag beetle