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Male stag beetles fighting over a dead female

I must tell you that I've staged these fights. I knew that this female was “turned on”, so I decided to test her on some males. Indeed the males found her so attractive that they were willing to fight for her several times.

2004:07:21 18:30:48

Photo by Maria Fremlin. Colchester, England. 2004:07:21 18:30:48 BST

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Continuation of the above fight. Note how the standing beetle has positioned his legs. If anybody knows of any other beetles that can "stand up", please let me know.

2004:07:21 18:31:50

Photo by Maria Fremlin. Colchester, England. 2004:07:21 18:31:50 BST

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| Main | Mating quiz | Stag Night in Colchester | Nuptial flight | Mate-guarding behaviour in stag beetles |