Stag beetle remains predated by foxes and, right, a fox scat with beetle remains.
Photo by Maria Fremlin.
They also raid their nests by digging them up rather thoroughly and are even able to upturn logs. No doubt they are attracted by the smell of the larvae and quite probably by their stridulation as well; foxes have very acute senses.
Below is a picture of a dug up nest which was in a tree stump part of a raised bed.
A stag beetle nest raided by foxes, central area to the right of the plastic bag.
Photo by Maria Fremlin, 24 August 2008.
Unfortunately, in my urban area foxes are a significant predator of stag beetles both during their larval and adult stages. Do get in touch with me if you have the same problem in your area.
Last modified: Tue Jan 6 11:03:39 GMT 2015
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