Indian Stag Beetle vs Green Metallic Tunneler
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Indian Stag Beetle | Green Metallic Tunneler |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lucanus lunifer | Onitis alexis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Lucanidae | Scarabaeidae |
| Size | 40-75 mm (males including mandibles) | 14-22 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Farmland |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Dung Feeders |
| Regions | South Asia (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Himalayan region) | Africa, introduced to Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Indian Stag Beetle
A large, dark brown stag beetle with impressive curved mandibles in males that resemble deer antlers. It is found in montane forests of the Himalayas and is attracted to fermenting tree sap.
Did You Know?
Males use their enlarged mandibles in ritualized combat, attempting to flip rivals off tree branches to win access to sap flows and mates.
Green Metallic Tunneler
A medium-sized tunneling dung beetle with a metallic green pronotum and dark brown elytra. Males have an enlarged prothorax. It constructs vertical tunnels beneath cattle dung and is nocturnal.
Did You Know?
Introduced to Australia in the 1980s, this species was specifically targeted for its ability to handle cattle dung in tropical climates.