Lucanidae

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Lucanidae (stag beetles; subclass Pterygota, order Coleoptera) Family of large, shiny, brown or black beetles, 10–66 mm long, in which the mandibles of males are often developed into ‘antlers’, which are probably used in fighting between males. The antennae are elbowed, with clubs of flattened, expanded segments. There is a wide size range within species, females generally being smaller. The larvae are curved, and fleshy. Their antennae are well developed, their legs slender. They live in rotting wood, taking 3–6 years to develop. They stridulate by rubbing the last two pairs of legs together. Adults feed on sap and liquids. There are 750 species.