Lesser Stag Beetle - Dorcus parallelipipedus

This is the smaller cousin of the well known Stag Beetle. Though smaller, it is still a very large beetle but it doesn't have such enlarged mandibles as the male Stag Beetle.

It is found in woodland and sometimes in gardens, especially where there are large trees or orchards.

The adult is most often seen in summer when it flies to disperse.

Its larvae feed on rotting timber, especially Ash, Beech and Apple.

Fairly common and widespread in the southern half of England and in Wales.

Leicestershire and Rutland are towards the Northern limit of its UK distribution but it remains fairly frequent here. There were a total of 80 VC55 records for this species up to March 2015.