Terms used for body parts – European Stag Beetle Monitoring Network

Antennal lamella

The antennal lamellae are found at the end of the antennae. They have chemosensory capacities and are used by the beetles to locate food and conspecifics for reproduction.

Lucanus cervus with the antennal lamellae marked by an arrow (Photo Michele Zilioli)

Mandibles

The impressive mandibles or jaws of the males are a weird creation of evolution as they are used to impress and fight with male competitors. Sometimes they even scare away predators such as woodpeckers and owls.

Lucanus cervus with the mandibles marked by an arrow (Photo Michele Zilioli)

Pronotal side and posterior angle

The pronotal side is the edge of the middle part (pronotum) of the beetle. The posterior part of this edge can be rather straight or more or less sinuate depending on the species. The posterior angles are found at both sides of this posterior pronotal side. These parts are important diagnostic, especially when distinguishing females.

*Lucanus cervus with the posterior part of the pronotum encircled and posterior angles marked by an arrow (Photo Michele Zilioli)*

Dorsal view of the pronotum of different species

*Lucanus cervus*: The pronotal side is not sinuate before the blunt posterior angle

pbarbarossa-dorsal-pronotum3 — *Lucanus barbarossa*: The pronotal side is strongly sinuate before the sharp posterior angle

ltetraodon-dorsal-pronotum — *Lucanus tetraodon*: The pronotal side is sinuate before the quite sharp posterior angle

libericus-dorsal-pronotum — *Lucanus ibericus:* The pronotal side is sinuate before the sharp posterior angle