On May 8th, Serena Petroncini, the coordinating technician on behalf of Ente Parchi Romagna (MAR), together with entomologist Luigi Melloni from the Aquae Mundi association (Russi, RA), carried out the inoculation of stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) larvae into two logpyramids built as part of the Life4OakForests project.
Logpyramids are partially buried piles of deadwood designed to support saproxylic insects—species that feed on and develop within decaying wood. Ten of these structures have been created within the project areas. Among the conservation actions included in the project is the rearing and reintroduction of the stag beetle.
The stag beetle is one of the largest beetles in Europe and belongs to the Lucanidae family. It gets its name from the impressive mandibles of the males, which resemble a stag’s antlers. These mandibles are used in battles between males during the mating season, but despite their fearsome appearance, they are not strong enough to cause harm. In contrast, females—while having smaller mandibles—can pinch more effectively. This difference is also one of the main ways to distinguish between the sexes.
The development of the stag beetle is very slow, lasting anywhere from 3 to 10 years depending on environmental conditions. Females lay their eggs at the base of old or decaying tree stumps, preferably oak, chestnut, beech, willow, or poplar. Once hatched, the larvae tunnel through the wood, feeding on it with their strong mandibles and slowly growing to lengths of up to 10 cm. Once fully developed, the larvae create a chamber in the wood where they pupate.
Although adult beetles are already formed by autumn, they only emerge between May and June the following year. Their adult lives are short: males typically die between July and August, while females may live until September. During this time, they feed on sap, nectar, and ripe fruits.
Once widespread, the stag beetle is now in decline due to the loss of its natural habitat, often caused by forestry practices that remove deadwood and old trees. As a result, it is classified as Near Threatened and is protected at the European level. It is listed in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), which calls for its protection through the designation of Special Areas of Conservation. It is also protected under the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife.
Through the Life4OakForests project and the creation of logpyramids, we are taking concrete steps to safeguard this remarkable species and preserve the biodiversity tied to ancient oak woodlands.
