Stag-beetles in action
In 2012, my friend and assistent guide John from Londen and me discovered a so-called master tree from Stag-beetles. We heared some strange cracking noises from a bush. Those turned out to be fighting male Stag beetles. We found more than 50 individuals in a small Willow tree. This Willow contained many more beetles than surrounding trees, suggesting that this particular one could be a master tree. As this was a very exciting moment for us, I want to share it with my guests. In 2012 I have visited the location at least 10 times, sometimes alone but often with my guests. The galery shows the phenomenon quite well, but to get an idea of the massiveness of the gathering, you need to come over and see for yourself. This is a great oppertunity for macro-photographers. Continuesly, there are fights and mating couples. Loosing males drop down to the soil regularly and start climbing up for another fight.
with our guests at the master tree
The beetles make wounds in the bark, creating sapruns that are populated by females and protected by males. In addition, these sapruns attract many other insects, such as Lesser Purple Emperor, Woodland Grayling, Hornets and many other wasps and flies. I hope you share my excitement about this. Come and see this!
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