Yes, a single insect can price up to Rs. 75 lakh. One of the most expensive insects in the world is the ‘stag beetle’. What makes it so unique? Stag beetles are expensive due to their rarity and superstition as a lucky charm. Some believe that having a stag beetle will suddenly make them millionaires.
A recent research published in the journal Scientific Data stated that they are “a prominent saproxylic assemblage within forest ecosystems and distinguishable by their exaggerated mandibles and male polymorphism.”
Where Can They Be Found?
Stag beetles are cold-sensitive and require a tropical climate for optimal development. They are forest dwellers by nature, though they can also be found in urban habitats such as parks and gardens where there is plenty of dead wood, hedgerows, or even traditional orchards.
What Do They Consume?
The diet of adult stag beetles consists mainly of sweet liquids such as nectar, tree sap, and the juice from rotting fruit. During their adult lives, they operate primarily on the energy reserves that were stored when they were in larval form.
Lifespan and Traits
According to the Natural History Museum in London, these insects have an average weight of 2 to 6 grams and live for around three years but may also attain ages between five or seven. Females range from 30–50 mm long and males from 35–75 mm long. They are also used medically. The male stag beetle, with fierce mandibles that give it its name, resembles a true stag’s antler. Male stag beetles vie with one another during the breeding season to mate with females, using their characteristic antler-like jaws.
The Larva
Stag beetle larvae feed off the worst kind of old wood, scraping and rasping at dead tree stumps before moving back to their mysterious underground hideaways. They are safe for healthy plants since they feed only on dead wood, not living trees or shrubs.
Significant Facts
Stag beetles are not dangerous to humans. They are essential for consuming dead wood and recycling nutrients into the soil—a natural process required for the survival of forest ecosystems. Their muscular jaws and impressive mandibles are also a source of wonder for insect collectors and naturalists.
Conservation Status
With habitat loss and human activities, stag beetles are becoming rarer. Conservation efforts are needed to preserve these incredibly unique insects and their environments. Through public awareness and habitat preservation, future generations will continue to have the opportunity to view these amazing animals.
In summary, the high price tag for the stag beetle reflects its limited availability, economic value, rarity in trade, and cultural perspective. So not only is the stag beetle a good luck charm, but it also offers endless possibilities for study!
